Obituary of Robert H. Habel

Robert H. Habel 1933 - 2013 SPRINGFIELD - Robert "Bob" H. Habel, 80, of Springfield, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, August 5, 2013, surrounded by his family at Mercy Medical Center, Springfield. Bob, a son of the late Harry and Bertha (Dillon) Habel was born in Holyoke on July 22, 1933. Bob resided in Springfield his whole life and graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1951. Bob retired from Cytec Industries formerly the John H. Breck, Inc. after 45 years. Bob worked in many positions during that time and retired as plant manager in 1993. Bob's interests were gardening, fishing, studying WWII Naval Battles and enjoyed the beach and camping. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame and also loved to watch his New England sports teams. Bob served as past president on the Board of Directors at the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club and as Past President at the Traffic and Transportation Club of Springfield during his working years. He was a member of the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, the Galaxy Club of Chicopee, and the Knights of Columbus Council 160 of Indian Orchard. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his sister, Bertha Ruth Moynihan, and two nephews, Robert and Michael Moynihan. He is survived by his loving wife and friend, Dolores "Dee" (Rooney) Habel; his children, James "Jim" P. Habel and his wife Michelle of Hermosa Beach, CA, Sheryl L. Moriartry of Wilbraham, and Daniel "Dan" R. Habel of Manhattan Beach, CA; beloved grandsons, Connor P. and Dillon M. Moriarty; a son-in-law, Paul Moriarty of Springfield; a niece Kathy (Moynihan) Oparowski and her husband Ronald of South Hadley; a brother-in-law, Roger R. Rooney and his wife Emelia of Ward, AK; along with many nieces and nephews. Besides family, Bob leaves many friends from Greenwood Hills Campground in Hope Valley, RI; his many friends from work, the friends from the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, a special group of friends from the Jury Group, in addition to his gardening partners, Ken Johnson and Marge Koulgeorge who shared much of his life. Visiting hours for Robert will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield. His funeral will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 1900 Allen Street, Springfield. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield. Memorial contributions in Robert's memory may be made to the West Springfield Boy's and Girl's Club, 615 Main Street, West Springfield, MA 01089 and or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Mass Chapter, 9 Erie Drive, Suite 101, Natick, MA 01760. Bob's family wishes to thank Dr. Philip L. Glynn and his staff for his care and support during the past two years and also the staff at Weldon Rehab Hospital and Mercy Medical Center for their support and compassion during the past six weeks.