Thomas J. Hafler

Thomas J. Hafler, 92 passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 23, 2025.
Tom was born on August 30, 1933 to the late Thomas & Mary Hafler and was a graduate of Elyria Catholic High School. He joined the US Navy in 1954 and served aboard the USS Hornet during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the City of Akron Waste Water Management Plant as a stationary engineer. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kenmore and was a member of the church choir, and delivered communion to shut-ins. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus Council #3410. Tom was highly involved in the Highland Park and Kenmore Little Leagues (Later South Akron Little League). He served as President of the league, Coach and Umpire, totaling over 35 years of service. He was a recipient of the 1999 Glenn Speed Bosworth Award in recognition of his efforts in the community to serve and promote organized baseball. he served as an umpire and concession manager of the Roy Hobbs Baseball Association for 15 years in Fort Myers, FL.
Tom enjoyed dancing and, along with his wife Judy, was always the first on and the last off the dance floor.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Judy and sister Helen. He is survived by his children Eugene (Deanna), Ray (Kelly), Fritz (Michelle), Pete (Beth); grandchildren AJ (Ashley), Samantha (Aaron), Brianna (Connor), Brenden, Leslie, Cassidy (James), Alexia (Justin), Jon (Mary), & William (Kristen); great-grandchildren Ezekiel, Viviana, Eleanor, Tobias, Waylon, Hadley, & Jaxson; sisters Grace and Maryanne.
The family would like to exrtend a special thanks to caregivers Lydia and Jeanette for the loving and compassionate care.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 4, from 2-6 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home - Akron Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 5, 10:30 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Manchester Rd. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.