Kenneth R. Haberle

Master Chief, Kenneth R. Haberle, AZCM, Ret. of Union Dale, died Saturday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family. His wife is Sandra Yankauskas Haberle.

Born November 26, 1938 in Rankin PA, he is the son of the late Emil and Ann Kenezovic Haberle. Ken attended Marianist Preparatory High School where he developed an extremely strong and everlasting faith as a devoted Catholic which helped him build a beautiful life. He entered the Seminary with intentions of continuing in the faith. Conversations with church leaders led him to the realization that he should start a family one day and so he did. He left the seminary and entered the U.S Navy.

While stationed in Washington, DC he met the love of his life, Sandra Yankauskas as an extra on a double blind date. Ken and Sandra began their cherished life together in 1964, and brought forth six wonderful daughters. After honorably serving 22 years in the U.S Navy, Ken finished with the rank of AZCM Master Chief. While active in the Navy Ken was described as ¨ hard-working, organized, knowledgeable, concise, fair, a true leader, compassionate, extremely dedicated and a man whose worth is inestimable". Upon leaving the Navy, Ken and Sandra settled in Union Dale where he attended Johnson College in Scranton PA for Cabinet Making. He used his education to work at Simplex Homes until he retired in 2000.

Ken's hobbies included spending time in his flower and vegetable gardens, playing high stakes Bingo, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, and traveling. He had a passion for good food and enjoyed collecting coins and stamps. Ken was active in the Rotary Club of New Milford. He had a giving spirit and donated to numerous charities. He was a proud, loving and caring father of his six daughters and grandfather to his eleven grandchildren, being sure to attend sporting, dance, and other events that he possibly could. Always influenced by his unwavering faith, Ken remained active in the Catholic faith. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was on the parish council for Ascension Parish where he also taught Catechism. Ken left behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and honesty. He was the kind of man that always met you with a warm handshake, made his big heart easy to see, made you feel welcome, and left you with the impression of being touched by God's grace. Ken was such a loyal and dedicated husband, father and grandfather who was respected and loved dearly by his family.

Also surviving are six daughters, Deborah Balta and husband Blaze, Pittsburgh; Sandy Shema and husband Frank, Forest City; Christine Maragos and husband George, Billings MT; Lora Urbas and husband Brian, Browndale; Rebecca Haberle CRNP, Edwardsville; Kathryn Clever and husband Jason, Hollidaysburg; Eleven Grandchildren, Trent, Allison, and Broc Balta; Kyle and Madeline Shema; Claire, Max, and Marlo Urbas, Jaxon, Bronson and Basil Clever; a loving sister Arlene Gardill; brother-in-law Frank Yankauskas and wife Liz; several nieces and nephews.

Also preceded in death by a brother Robert Haberle, and sister Madeline Freund.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10am in St. Joseph's Church, Forest City. Viewing will be Thursday from 5 to 7 pm in the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City. Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ken's name to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306

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