GLENS FALLS --- Robert Joseph Havens, 92, of Seward St., Queensbury, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.
Born October 10, 1920 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Roscoe and Julia (Sullivan) Havens Sr.
Bob served in the United States Army Air Force starting in September 1942 as a Radio Operator on B-17s, as well as Radio Technician and Mechanic, and was honorably discharged in January of 1946.
Following his service, Bob married Irma Elizabeth Donor on June 29, 1946 at St. Mary's Rectory in Glens Falls.
He was employed as a Radio/TV repairman with Warner- Pruyn after the war, then as a carpenter at the International Paper Co. plant in Corinth, building foreman with Hudson Valley Homes, self-employed contractor, and finally retiring as head electrician at Continental Insurance Co. in Glens Falls.
In his free time, Bob continued to pursue his love for flying that he had acquired in the Air Corp by attending any air show or air museum that he could, from Schenectady to Oskosh to Tucson to San Diego, with his son or grandson, or "going up" himself with his many friends at Warren County Airport, some of which were also WW2 veterans.
He was one of the first to join the newly-formed West Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1956, serving as an officer of numerous rankings for many terms, eventually as Fire Chief, and ultimately counted on its roster of "active-retired members", totaling 57 years of continuous involvement with the fire department: a record that may be difficult to surpass. At various times he had been involved with every training program, vehicle purchase, or building program. For many fellow members, he was their mentor.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Havens, and two brothers, Arthur Havens and Roscoe Havens Jr.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Irma Havens of Queensbury; his daughter, Deborah Havens of Farmington, N.Y.; his son Peter Havens and his wife, Sharon, of Payson, Ariz.; his grandson, Robert Havens of Burlington, Vt.; one niece, Pam Smith; two nephews, Jeff Havens and Chris Havens and his wife, Candace; and many, many friends.
Those friends may call upon the family this Monday, April 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 2, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. The West Glens Falls Fire Dept. will perform a brief ceremony Monday night at 6:45 during the calling hours.
A funeral service will take place Tuesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Wade Petteys, pastor of Gateway Pentecostal Church, officiating.
A gathering to celebrate Bob's life will follow the funeral at West Glens Falls Vol. Fire Dept., 33 Luzerne Rd., Queensbury.
Burial will take place at the convenience of the family at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls.
Bob's family would like to extend a special thank you to the devoted members of West Glens Falls Vol. Fire Dept. for their numerous acts of love and support these past months and years.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.