The Rev. Eugene Haaf

The Reverend Eugene Henry Haaf

April 5, 1926 - March 23, 2023

The Reverend Eugene Henry Haaf passed away on March 23rd, just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday. He still sported a generous amount of black hair, recalling the little boy from D Street, Derby, who loved his mother's liver soup ("Why don't you make that anymore, Ma?" "Oh, 'Gene, it was the Depression! Liver was all we could afford!").

The little boy became just a teenager when WWII brought the draft. He served in the infantry, 94th Division, seeing service in Europe before and after the war. He found his calling there, in a foxhole, under the chaos and cacophony of heavy shelling, when prayer brought him an overwhelming sense of God's love, a feeling of peace, and a commitment to serve God in gratitude.

The GI Bill gave him the opportunity to attend West Virginia Wesleyan and earn his Masters of Divinity at Yale University, joining the ministry in the United Methodist Church. The UMC also brought him the love of his life when he met Jacqueline Haman at a UM Youth retreat at Camp Quinipet in 1955. He took her out sailing, without knowing how to bring her back in, so he just had to keep her. They were married that December.

'Gene and Jacquie served in Prospect UMC, Bristol, CT, Trinity UMC, Richmond Hill, NY and Hampton Bays UMC, Southampton, NY. In 1970, 'Gene became the pastor at Faith UMC in North Haven, CT, where he would serve until retirement in 1990. The parishioners he served became family, many of the youth calling him "Dad". He would visit when he could, and remained in touch, continuing to care for others and minister long after retirement.

'Gene and Jacquie's greatest love was their family: "the boys", Richard, David, and Paul, and "the twins", Beth and Donna. With great joy they welcomed to the family Paul's wife, Lynette, and Dave's wife, Kristin. But his favorites were his grandchildren, Richard's daughter, Kalynda, and Paul and Lynette's children, Taylor and Wesley, who brought him great joy and energy.

Ninety-six years was not long enough, but Rev. Haaf's love and compassion for his family and all who knew him are never-ending. His wisdom and caring will be a lifelong inspiration.

A brief memorial service, followed by a Celebration of 'Gene's life, will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 am - 11:30 at Faith United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rev. Eugene Haaf Memorial Fund, payable to Faith United Methodist Church, 81 Clintonville Rd, North Haven, CT 06473.