Donald E Haney

Jun 30, 1929 - Apr 11, 2011


Donald E. Haney, of St. Augustine, Fla., and York, Maine, died Monday, April 11, 2011, at The Bailey Center for Caring.

He was born June 30, 1929, in Orbisonia, Pa., to Harry and Ethel Haney and lived in Mifflinburg, Pa., until enlisting in the Navy in 1947. He served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander. He served aboard destroyer escorts in the Pacific, as well as aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, while stationed in Mayport/Cecil Field, Fla. While in the Navy, he was educated as an electronics engineer and worked for Litton Industries in Southern California, among other venues.

He moved to Maine with his wife, Chris Pacitti Haney, and opened a business there, running a campground. Their home was a gathering place for a wide group of friends and family, and he took great delight in hosting any occasion, everyone was welcome and loved.

The home in York, Maine, is still a favorite destination for family and friends.

Don made Christmas ornaments for all his grandchildren and all his great-nieces and great-nephews, up to 75 a year, which have become treasured reminders of his love for all the kids in the family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Chris Haney, and nine children: Donna and George Gozik of Baltimore, Md., Sherry and Doyle Church of Summerville, S.C., Jeanne and Chip Dox of La Canada, Calif., Christopher and Marilyn Haney of Annapolis, Md., Carlyn Smith of Buellton, Calif., Lise and Carl Geller of La Canada, Calif., Dennis and Anita Pacitti of Kittery, Maine, Christine and Jim Kos of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Suzanne Pacitti and her partner, Darla Thibodeaux, of Baton Rouge, La.

Donald and Chris" son, Rob Pacitti, died in 1996.

The eldest of seven children, he leaves behind two sisters, Dotty and Don Seebold of Mifflinburg, Pa., Phyllis and Paul Heim of Lewisburg, Pa.; and two brothers, Harry and Joy Haney of Camillus, N.Y., Bill and Janet Haney of Morgantown, Pa.

He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

For many years, Donald was an avid golfer and member of Marsh Creek Country Club.

A celebration of Don"s life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Craig Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date in Maine.