Frederick J. Haas

Frederick J. Haas, 92, passed away on August 16, 2026.

Born on August 25, 1933, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Fred was the son of the late Frederick and Bernardine (Szantdner) Haas. He attended St. James Catholic High School for Boys in Chester, PA, where he proudly sang in the Glee Club. His loyalty to St. James remained strong throughout his life; he served on several reunion committees, stayed deeply connected with his alumni community, and meticulously saved newspaper clippings in his senior yearbook that tracked the lives and achievements of his classmates. Fred grew up in Collingdale, PA, and moved to Groton, CT, after his military service. He returned to Pennsylvania in the 1970s and moved to Bear, DE, later in life.

A proud veteran, Fred served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, building radios and radio towersand earning the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable service. His military service was a source of lifelong pride, reflected in his dedicated 44-year membership in American Legion Post 507 in Norwood, PA.

Fred was a driven, independent worker who built a diverse career as an entrepreneur. He was the proprietor of Taylor Radio and TV in Groton, CT, before taking to the open road as the owner and operator of Fliteline Service Inc., driving his own 18-wheeler. His CB radio handle was “Dancing Bear.” Later, he worked as a self-employed driver for Air Freight and Eagle Trucking Company.

A man of devout Catholic faith, Fred rarely missed Mass or the rosary, even in his later years. He was a loyal servant of God, and his strong faith helped guide him throughout his life. He was an avid golfer who recorded a hole-in-one and enjoyed bowling, playing the lottery, and making friends through his many interests. He will always be remembered for his warmth and outgoing personality.

Known as Uncle “Freddie” to his many nieces and nephews, he was a constant presence at family weddings, events, and holidays. He enjoyed playing pinochle and poker with family and often ended his evenings with wine and cheese. An avid reader, he noted his initials inside the covers of books later in life to remind himself that he had already read them. He rarely missed a Sunday crossword and loved playing word games.

Fred died peacefully at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY, in the early morning of August 16, 2026. The nurses, caseworkers, and staff treated him with love and compassion and should be commended for their devoted service to all the residents in their care.

The last of his generation, Fred survived cancer for nearly 25 years. He was predeceased by his brother,Warren F. Haas; his sister-in-law, Rosemarie (née Suscello) Haas; and many close friends. His nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces cared for him and continued to assist and correspond with him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Endicott, NY, at 10:00 a.m.on September 7, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred’s name to the New York State Veterans’ Home at Oxford, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.