Robert Haftel

Robert "Bob" Haftel, 91, of Waverly, Pennsylvania died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Bob was born and raised in The Bronx and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and New York University.  He served his country honorably in the Army during the Korean War, including writing for Stars & Stripes while stationed in Japan.  Upon his return to the States, his sister, Carol Haftel, set him up on a blind date with one of her sorority sisters, Sandra Nelson. They danced together for the first time on New Year's Eve 1956 at The Rainbow Room and were married on January 19, 1958.

Bob initially pursued a career in journalism including serving as Editor in Chief at Chilton Company for Boot & Shoe Recorder followed by Jewelers Circular Keystone, the trade magazine for the jewelry industry.  During that last position, he was wooed by members of the jewelry industry, switched careers to sales, and never looked back.  He had an incredibly successful career at ODI Original Designs Inc., followed by serving as head of sales for Tessler & Weiss/Premesco, Inc. of Union, New Jersey until his retirement.

He was known for his integrity, work ethic, and honesty. He and Sandra instilled those same qualities in their three children, who pursued careers in medicine, law, and education. Bob and Sandy were known for opening their home to all who needed a place to eat, and Bob was an accomplished chef. A devoted husband and father, Bob never had Sandy out of his mind when she succumbed to ovarian cancer far too early.  It was his love and devotion to Sandy that kept him alive and involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, siblings and friends.  He reveled in their success and provided comfort in their losses. He was known for his good humor and jokes.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Alfred and Howard Haftel, and his bride and love, Sandra.

He is survived by their children, Hilary Haftel and husband Dan Green, Benjamin Haftel and his wife Jennifer, and Rachel Gilbert and her husband Teal, as well as his grandchildren, Jeremy, Joshua, Hannah and her partner Kearon Chase, Jacob, Lirit, Shoshana, Jack, Aiden and Sadie as well as his great granddaughter Kennedi. He is further survived by his sister, Carol, and sisters-in-law Alma and Helene, whom he loved completely, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Rich Albert (caregiver & friend), Caregivers of America, Allied Hospice, and Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home.

A Graveside Service will be held Monday, January 23 at 11 am at Beth El Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey where he will be laid to rest next to the love of his life.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family asks, with gratitude, that donations in Bob's name be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( stjude.org ) and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in South Abington Township ( griffinpondanimalshelter.com ) .  Friends & family are invited to visit the family at Ben and Jennifer's home in Belle Mead, New Jersey on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 PM to 9 PM with service at 7:30 pm, and at Rachel & Teal's (Bob's) home in Waverly on Wed. Jan. 25, from 5-8 pm.