Remembering FH First Aid's John Haney

By Elaine Van Develde

When longtime Fair Havenite and 36-year First Aid member John Haney died at home at 67 on June 27, the Fair Haven Facebook page was flooded with condolences and kudos for a man who dedicated much of his time to serving his community.

"You will be missed, my friend," said lifetime fire company member Ray Bennett. His comment was followed by many who expressed sadness over a life seemingly cut too short.

"I was shocked and so sad when I learned of this …" said Cathie Scalzo. "What a truly nice guy … you will be missed 'Job Site' (she said referring to his former CB handle)."

"When I was captain I always knew when that horn sounded, I did not have to worry about the ambulance getting out cause my buddy John was there no matter what time of day or night," said longtime Fair Havenite Bill Acker. "I could always depend on him for anything I asked. Fair Haven has lost a great person, first aid squad member and the best friend you could ever ask for."

Haney's son, Jeremy, thanking everyone for the kind words, said "He'll surely be missed." Jeremy last year opened J. Rooster, a breakfast and lunch nook in Fair Haven, right around the corner from his former home. He had said he wanted to bring a spot back to town where townies could sit, sip coffee and chat over breakfast or lunch. A modest gathering spot was his aim — his own ode to his parents and the kind of close-knit, unassuming community in which he was raised.  

John Haney moved to Fair Haven in 1974 and soon after started serving on its First Aid Squad, twice its captain, with his wife Janene, who predeceased him. The couple was known for responding to most of the calls and always pitching in around town and loving it.

Born in Lakewood, John served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War. He was a parishioner of Embury United Methodist Church. In addition to his first aid volunteer work, John was known as an outdoorsman who loved camping and race cars.

In addition to Janene, John was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by: his sons, Jeremy and wife Michelle, of Old Bridge, and Jason and wife Victoria, of Sayreville; his brother, David Haney and wife Margaret, of Glassboro; his mother-in-law, Millie Kollock, of Little Silver; and four grandchildren, Bridget, Abigail, Penelope and Wesley.

John Haney's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013, 11 a.m. at Embury United Methodist Church, Little Silver. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, PO Box 142, Fair Haven, NJ 07704.