Robert W. Haskell (Bill), 89, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2014 at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Edward W. and Harriett B. Haskell and brothers, Arnold and Gerald. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irene; daughter, Carol and Stephen Stankevich, Binghamton; granddaughter, Kellie Duff, Endicott; grandsons, William and Kristen Duff, Apalachin; Robert Stankevich, Newport, Rhode Island, Richard Stankevich, Binghamton, NY, and Brett and Chelsea Stankevich, Vestal, NY; seven great granddaughters, Jessica and Mallory Duff, Morgan, Madison, Maggie, Maya, and Emme Stankevich; a very special cousin Eleanor Maxian Haines; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was born on November 9, 1924 in Hawleyton, NY, the youngest of three brothers. For the next 80 plus years he proudly made Hawleyton his home. He was an avid fisherman and spent many days at Quaker Lake with friend Hugh. He also enjoyed hunting, playing pool, singing, dancing and playing his harmonica. Prior to World War II, together with his brothers and friends, he was a member of “The Mudcats” band who played throughout the area, usually just for the price of a dinner. Bill was a decorated Army Veteran of W.W. II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, Company L, 1st Division, as a member of the Infantry serving in New Guinea and in the Philippines at the Battle of Luzon. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He received the Good Conduct, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and Victory Medals, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was an employee of Kroehler Manufacturing Company for many years and a retiree of the State of New York, having worked in the Power Plant at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center. He was a member of the Hawleyton United Methodist Church, a former Republican Committeeman for the Town of Binghamton, a member of the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Department and former officer of the Binghamton Township Historical Society. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for the love and support of friends, to Ralph Luciani at the Broome County Veterans Service Agency, Carol Meion at the Binghamton VA Outpatient Clinic, and most especially to the staff of Spruce, Pine & Maple Neighborhoods at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY for their extraordinary care and compassion in treating him with dignity and respect in his final journey.
The family will receive friends at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 Main Street, Endicott, Wednesday, February 5th from 2 to 4 and evening 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Services with Military Honors will occur at the Allen Memorial Home, Thursday, February 6th at 11 am, conducted by his nephew, Reverend Verne Haskell, Church of the Nazarene, Hollywood, MD, and Reverend William Puckey of the Hawleyton United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Endicott. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford, NY, Donation Account, 4211 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.