Robert R Haight Sr.

Robert was born in Stamford, CT on July 11, 1933, to the late Emil and Mary E. (Bates) Haight. He was a resident of Hampton Township since 1967 with his wife of 59 ½ years, Betty. Bob and Betty met in Montclair, NJ where he worked on the Shade Tree Commission, and she worked as an RN for Public Health. She was the love of his life and he her’s. Those who know them, know the couple were always holding hands, and his loving wife continued to hold his hand to his last breath.

Robert (Bob) was truly a self-made man of humble beginnings. He had an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine where he also competed as a golden gloves middleweight boxer. He later completed his MA from William Paterson University while working full time in education. He retired as the Superintendent of Schools at Frankford Township Board of Education, and prior to serving as Assistant Superintendent, Board of Education Secretary, Chief School Administrator, and K-8 Teacher.

Throughout his careers in forestry and education, he showed himself to be a gifted teacher. His successes as a mentor were among his proudest accomplishments. He would proudly share his Christmas cards recounting the successes of people that he had mentored long ago.

After his retirement in 1994, he enjoyed splitting his time between FL and NJ with his wife, intentionally choosing to enjoy life. Until recently, he also took great pleasure in doing major tree work in his yard and to help out others. He will be remembered as a man who was always willing to lend a hand and share stories.

He appreciated being involved with his community. He was a past Trustee and Deacon at the Baleville Congregational Christian Church and a member of nearly 60 years. It was here that he represented Santa for many years to the Sunday School children. Bob also served as previous chairman of the Sussex County Shade Tree Commission, Hampton Township Zoning Board, and instructor for AARP Safe Driving, 55 and Alive.

Bob served in various leadership positions throughout the county including: Past President and Vice President of Sussex County School Business, Past President, Secretary/ Treasurer, and Chairman Legislative Committee of Sussex County Superintendents’ Round Table, Vice President, Secretary, and County Representative of New Jersey School Administrators’ Association, Board of Directors of Educational Improvement Center, Co-originator and Charter Member of the Superintendents’ Round Table Association, and 1994 Recipient of the Sussex County School Administrators Association “Dale Rhinehardt Excellence in Education Award”.

Bob served in the US Navy, Korean War from 1951-55. He received a Good Conduct Medal-National Defense Medal.

Beloved husband and father, Robert is survived by his wife, Betty Jane (Donadio) Haight, children, Dr. Robert Haight Jr., Matthew Haight, and Cynthia Nolte, and many loved nieces and nephews who cherish his guidance as a positive father figure who helped shape their lives. Along with his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brothers, Roy, Herald, Emil, Charles, and Arthur, and sisters Dorothy, Elaine, and Mildred.

Robert leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of truly making the world a better place. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 12 noon at Baleville Congregational Christian Church of Newton, NJ. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon with interment to follow at Branchville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Robert Haight to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pancan.org