Robert “Bob” M. Haas, 65, of Florida, and formerly a 22-year resident of Newtown, died December 22, with his wife Nancy at his side. He was born May 11, 1949.

Mr Haas was active in St Rose of Lima Catholic Church as past president of the Men’s Club, team leader for the Saturday ushers, and available to help wherever he was needed. He lived his faith in all he did. At St Rose, he joined the Knights of Columbus, which began his unending love and passion for the Knights and what they stand for. 

Mr Haas served in Vietnam as a member of the US Army. Our Lady brought him home safely, and he returned to work for IBM until he retired in 2012, after 44 years.

He loved Florida and relocated there in 2009, transferring to the local Knights of Columbus Council. When asked what role he wished to take, he said, “Give me the worst position that no one else wants.” He proudly served his fellow Knights in several roles. Mr Haas helped to reinitiate the Knights Council at St Thomas More, and became Grand Knight in 2013. He was a great leader and role model, and as a Brother Knight, worked tirelessly to protect the unborn and to help those in need. He received his Fourth Degree in the Knights in 2011, and quickly became a member of the Color Corps, where he participated in many events, even through his illness, because he believed in their mission. He was very proud of his council members when they won several awards in 2014, including the Triple Star Award.

Mr Haas always took delight in the fact that he introduced his wife to Florida, and to cruise vacations, which he loved. He was very close to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and his many cousins, always looking forward to gatherings filled with fun and laughter.  He loved his children and grandchildren very much, and was especially proud to attend the baptism of his great-grandson this past May. 

Mr Haas touched the lives of so many. His family remembers him for his laughter that could fill a room with joy, and his smile that brightened everyone’s day. His sense of humor endeared him to so many. His nurses and doctors at Moffitt Cancer Center loved him, and he loved to get his Brother Knights' attention by singing a few lyrics when tuning up the microphone. His sense of humor stayed with him until the end.

Mr Haas lived his life always trying to do the right thing — treat people with respect and do the right thing, even though it may be the hardest choice. That is the legacy he leaves his children and grandchildren.

His  presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his family knows he will always be there to support them from his place in Heaven.

His wife of 27 years; and his two children and spouses Christy and Robb Garcia and Robert “Bob” Haas, Jr, and Jenni survive Mr Haas. He was a proud grandfather to Andi, Anthony, and Rylee Garcia, and Bobby (Robert III), Lilly, Charlie, and Amelia Haas. One great-grandchild also survives Mr Haas. He was one of seven children and very much loved his brothers and sisters Elena Haas, Ginny  and Larry Nicioli, Marty and Sally Haas, Marguerite Loek, Jim and Mary Pat Haas, and Bill and Carmen Haas. His parents Bill and Ginny (Gay) Haas; a grandson Samuel Haas; and several cousins whom he was close predeceased Mr Haas.

Memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Charities (United in Charity or Culture of Life Fund), One Columbus Plaza, PO Box 1966, New Haven CT  06509-1966, or online at www.KofC.org.