Obituary of Gerald V Havas

Gerald "Gerry" V. Havas passed away of natural causes on Thursday, Dec. 22 at Morristown Medical Center. He was 80 years old. Born in Morristown, NJ, grew up in Mendham, NJ, and graduated from Morristown High School, class of 1949. Following military service, he spent time in California before returning to NJ. He then settled in the Mount Freedom section of Randolph with his wife of 44 years, Eileen M. (Geraghty) Havas. During the Korean War, Gerry served in the US Army with the 1660 HQ Battery 3 AABN Fort Dix, 9th Infantry, and completed his service at the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded The NJ Korean Service Medal, W2 Bronze Service Stars, The United Nations Service Medal, and The National Defense Service Medal. He was an active member of The 3rd AAA AW BN - Annual Battalion Reunion Group, Grand Smokies, TN. An American Legion affiliate for more than 55 years, he was a member of the William J. Hocking American Legion Post 91, Wharton, NJ. He previously held the position of Post Commander for the former American Legion in Mendham, NJ. His technical career spanned many years in the operation of heavy equipment for the construction industry. Gerry was mainly employed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, Springfield, NJ. He owned many practical skills. His hobbies and interests included national travel and lifetime membership in the Ruffled Grouse Society. As an avid sportsman, Gerry enjoyed hunting wild game, fresh water fishing, watching both professional golfing and NASCAR races. Nature and wildlife captured his interests, especially various species of birds and their habits, along with various forms of outdoor recreation. He treasured his loyal relationships with his pet dogs over the years. Witty and satirically comical, Gerry was well read and articulate. He often referenced current event topics and recited long memorized patriotic poems or classical quotes from Shakespeare. Country/Western artists Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings were his favorites. Most of us will remember Gerry regularly dressed in his bib overalls at most occasions. An active member of the Roman Catholic Church, he recently attended Mass at St. Thers in Succasunna, NJ. He was true to the traditional teachings of his faith. Through his religious influences, Gerry held the role of family patriarch and especially portrayed an esteemed fatherly role to his nephews, Professor Robert Havas, and Operating Engineer Timothy Geraghty. His sense of obligation and compassion was evident as he always saw that his family was safe and secure. Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Jerry G. and Elizabeth M. Havas; his brother, Robert A. Havas, his brother-in-law, Thomas C. Lenker, Sr., and his nephew, Thomas C. Lenker, Jr. In addition to his wife, Eileen, he is survived by his sister, Joan Lenker of Stonington, PA; and his brother, Joseph (Anne) of Dickson, TN; and his large, extended family. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, from 3 - 7PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop rd., Mendham. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10:30am at the Chapel of St. Joseph's Church, Mendham, NJ; with interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Chester, NJ. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations made to any one of the following organizations in Gerry's name: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; The Scholarship Committee, American Legion Post 91, Wharton, NJ; or The Sisters of Christian Charity Development Fund, Mendham, NJ.