Obituary of Martin E. Hait

HOBART Martin E. Hait, 95, of Hobart, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at Fox Hospital in Oneonta. He was born in the Town of Stamford on June 21, 1916 on the Roses Brook family homestead, the oldest son of John and Florence (Atwater) Hait. He married Vera Burton on April 16, 1949 in the Westville Baptist Church. They celebrated 62 years together. A life-long area resident and Veteran of WWII, Martin served in the US Army and was a member of the 347th Fighter Squadron, the 350th Fighter Group, and was active in the Mediterranean Campaign. Employed by George Flower & Son, Hobart, for many years as an oil burner serviceman, Martin was an active community member and held a 50 year membership in the Hobart Fire Department, was a member of the County Fireman's Association and was a former Captain of the Fire Police. He enjoyed being involved in the Stamford-Harpersfield Senior Citizens group and the Hobart Civic Association. He is survived by his wife, Vera of Hobart; daughter, Nancy and Doug Mattice of Bloomville; son, Gordon and Nadine Hait of Olympia, WA; grandchildren, Marty Mattice and friend Tracey of Delhi, Dan and Apriljoy Mattice of Oneonta; Jeremy Mattice and friend Christi of Stamford, and Dakota Hait of Olympia, WA; great grandchildren, Zackery, Kenz, Creed, Shanna and Bonniejean; brother, Herb and Mary Hait of Hobart; sister, Frances Darrah of Milford; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also was predeceased by brothers, Clayton in 1950, Don in 1963, Leslie in 1956, Ken in 1984 and Harold in 1998. A memorial service with take place on Saturday, September, 24, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Hobart United Methodist Church, Hobart, with Rev. Lorraine Coscia-Ackerman officiating. Friends are invited to greet the family at the church from 10 a.m. till service time. Burial will take place in Locust Hill Cemetery, Hobart. Contributions in Martin's memory are asked to be made to a charity of your choice. To express your condolences to the family you may use the guestbook online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are by the MacArthur Funeral Home of Hobart.