Robert H. "Hasie" Haselton

Robert H. Haselton

ERVING- Robert H. “Hasie” Haselton, 76, of High Street, died early Friday morning, June 16, 2017 at home following an illness, with his loving family at his side.

Born in Montague on August 12, 1940, he was a son of Harry and Thelma (Drownes) Haselton and lived in Erving most of his life.

Robert  had attended the New Salem Academy for three years and graduated from the new Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in Orange in 1958.

In 1962, Robert enlisted into the United States Airforce and served until his honorable discharge in 1966 after obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

On March 26, 1966, he married Linda J. (Watkins) in Onawa, Iowa and have enjoyed over 50 years together.

Robert always loved trains and had worked for the B&M Railroad for 30 years as a carman and member of the wrecking crew that would respond to derailments.

Besides his love for his family, “Hasie” as he was affectionately known as, enjoyed hunting and fishing, his cats and puttering around the house, taking the time to do things right the first time.

Robert was a member of the Erving Fire Department for 30 years and had earned the rank of Captain.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Linda Haselton of Erving; daughters, Julie Wonkka and her husband, Philip, of Erving, Carol Booker of Orange, Lori Haselton and her husband, Aneil Mehta, of Orange; grandchildren, Lukas Booker and his wife, Tyanna Normandin, Lance Mehta, Aili Wonkka, Kaari Wonkka, Matthew Mehta, and Alexeah Fournier; a sister, Norma  Johnstone  of Orange; and two nephews.

Robert has donated his body to the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester  to assist future doctors in their studies of the human body.

A calling hour will be held on Friday night, June 23, 2017 from 6-7 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23rd at 7 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.

Interment in Erving Center Cemetery will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com