Once again, the mourning buntings are hanging on the Fair Haven Firehouse. The marquee marks the passing of another longtime fire department member: “In Memory of Craig Haese, 38 Year Member.”
Craig passed away on Dec. 8. In the fire company, he was an avid volunteer at the annual Fair Haven Firemen’s Fair’s mini golf booth and later sold chances for the 50/50. He was also known to play first base on the firemen’s team as well as on various local softball teams.
Photo/courtesy of FHFD
The son of Fred and Hazel Haese, he grew up in Woodbridge. The family later moved to Colts Neck. He graduated from Freehold High School and Monmouth University in 1970, where he met his future wife and sidekick Sheila Egan. He and Sheila married in 1971 and moved to Fair Haven in 1974 where he lived out his life.
He served in the US Army Reserves for eight years as sergeant of the motorpool with the 298th ASA Company at Ft. Hancock, NJ.
During his youth he played baseball, basketball and bowling. Besides sports, he listened to the weather reports, enjoyed watching sunsets and he loved all animals, especially dogs and cats, and going out to lunch with his wife
Craig Haese/obituary
During his college days he worked at the Lincroft Esso and sold Christmas trees. In 1971, Craig began working at Newark Pulley Co and finally Cunningham Marine Hydraulic in Hoboken before retiring after 38 years as the head of purchasing.
He is predeceased by: his parents; and his brother Jeff, of Maryland.
He is survived by: his wife Sheila; and his cousin, Alan Riehl (and wife Madelin), of Little Ferry.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, 35 Fisk St, Fair Haven, NJ 07704 or Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St, Eatontown, NJ 07724.
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