Manfred M. Haertig Jr.

Manfred Melvin Haertig, Jr – known to all of us as Mel – concluded his earthly sojourn on June 5, 2023, at Limecrest Subacute and Rehabilitation Center in Lafayette, New Jersey, after a period of physical and cognitive decline. He was kept comfortable and at ease in the days preceding his release to the Greater Light.

Mel was born on September 5, 1950, in New York City, to Bettye Flesher Haertig and Manfred Melvin (Tex) Haertig, Sr. His childhood years were spent in New York City, Atlanta, Syracuse, New York, and Short Hills, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Millburn High School.

Mel was a talented photographer and maintained a darkroom in the family’s New Jersey basement. One of his most notable shots was of a Boston College football player, just as he was falling over the touchdown line. He also did wedding portraits. Mel was quite technically inclined and spent many years in the security system installation business. He also loved gadgets of various kinds, as well as the hottest hot sauces out there.

Mel was happiest when “gifting” others. He had exquisite taste and selected beautiful jewelry and keepsakes – and gadgets – for his friends and family. He gave his sister her first 35mm camera and her first multi-component stereo system. Mel was generous with his time and his money and volunteered at Peter’s Valley School of Craft in Layton, NJ and at DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention) in Newton, NJ. He was a proud member of the Walpack Historical Society and the National Museum of the American Indian.

His own struggles with mental illness made Mel a compassionate listener, and he was a resource for others on the path to wholeness. He held and expressed strong opinions and at the same time recognized that each person must make his or her own judgment calls, regarding treatments and strategies.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents and by his very special cousin, Harry Edgar Flesher, III Survivors include his sister, Martha Haertig of Charlottesville, VA his best friends/soul siblings, Leslie and Roger Asch of Branchburg, NJ, and several cousins around the country.

Tony Romero, Beverly Goodrum, Linda Davis, Dora Spicer, Dan Holdt, Limecrest staff members, and all you fine souls who shared the road with Mel: thank you for all you did to brighten his life.

Fly free, dear brother. And I will see you on another day.