Robert E. Haley Lt. Col. Ret.

GILBERTSVILLE - Robert E. Haley, Lt. Col. Ret., entered eternal rest on Monday, March 28, 2016, at the age of 96.

Colonel Haley earned his doctorate in education at the age of 20 from the State University of New York.

He joined the United States Army in 1939. Col. Haley was a highly decorated and prestigious officer. His military career earned him numerous accolades and recognition awards for outstanding service, honor and sacrifice. He was recognized by the United States Army in a ceremony in 1958 for his devotion and bravery.

The Colonel, as he was known by, traveled throughout 12 countries and all 50 states. He held many jobs within the Army. They ranged from Linguistics Specialist,where he taught seven languages, all the way to Commander of the National Reserve programs.

He was awarded more than 50 medals, certificates and honors during his career.

After retiring from the military he went on to become reservations manager at Yellowstone National Park. Deciding retirement wasn’t for him, he took on the job of Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services for the State of California, where he remained until his final retirement.

The Colonel was meticulous with his lawn, sometimes seen cutting stray blades of grass with hand clippers. He had a great fondness for books, art, flowers and chocolate. He was an avid reader and animal lover. He could often be found sitting in the vestibule with a “good book” and a dog at his feet. A humanitarian, he was a women’s rights advocate regarding education, job and pay equality as well as voting privileges. In his “free time” he earned a degree in psychology from SUNY New Paltz.

He will deeply be missed by niece, Judith (Carl) Bennett; great-niece, Barbara (Dwayne) Palmer; and great-nephew, Daniel (Pam) Mills; as well as several great-great-nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral services. A burial in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors is anticipated at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the Gilbertsville Free Library.

Quoting the Colonel, “Bye for now.”

Arrangements under the direction of Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, Rochester, NY.