Obituaries

Frederick (Fred) Haffner, Jr., age 84, of Scranton, passed away Saturday afternoon at Regional Hospital of Scranton, after an illness. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Jean Marie (Fairclough) Haffner. Wed on August 10, 1963, the couple recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.
Born on August 5, 1938 and son of the late Frederick, Sr. and Emma (Sauermann) Haffner, Fred was educated at the former Scranton Central High School. He briefly worked at Pratt & Whitney before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He returned home to earn his honorable discharge from active duty.
He worked for Eureka Printing Press then Ingersoll Rand before retiring from International Correspondance School.
Fred leaves behind countless memories, including family fishing at Lackawanna State Park to bowling alongside Jean in Idle Hours mixed leagues. A sports fan, he rooted for the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and the original Brooklyn Dodgers. He was also a longtime member of the Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church.
On a scale of 1-10, Fred was an absolute 50. He was the greatest husband, most supportive Dad and loving grandfather who was always there for anyone in need. He will forever be missed by his family and friends.
He is also survived by his adoring children, James Haffner of Scranton, Denise Lavoie and husband Steven of Vernon, CT. and Kellie Matteo and husband Paul of Scranton; six grandchildren, Steven Lavoie, Jr., Amanda Lavoie, Diane Matteo, Cameron Lavoie, Marissa Matteo and P.J. Matteo, Jr.; and nieces and nephews. Fred’s sister, Ruth Emma Updyke, also preceded him in death.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Henry Yeager as well as the entire staffs of both Regional Hospital’s 8th floor and I.C.U. for their outstanding care and compassion throughout Fred’s illness.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Burial with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, West Scranton.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home where the family requests masks to be worn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fred’s name to the Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund c/o 435 Hickory St, Scranton, PA 18505.