William W. Haas

William W. Haas, 82, of Colonel John Kelly Rd, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg.

He was born on February 27, 1942 in Lewisburg, PA, the son of the late Catherine G. (Johnson) and the late William F. Haas, former Sheriff of Union County.

Bill was a 1960 graduate of Lewisburg High School. While in high school, he played football and basketball, lettering in both sports. During high school, he served as class officer and was president of the boy’s league during his senior year.

After high school, Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in comprehensive social studies from Bloomsburg State College. In 1964, he began his five-year tenure as a teacher in the Glens Falls City School District in New York. During his tenure, he coached basketball, was the sponsor of the debate club, and coordinated the homeroom guidance program.

He returned to Lewisburg in 1969 to complete 32 years as a teacher in the now Donald Eichhorn Middle School. Bill took graduate courses to receive a Master’s Equivalency from Oneonta and Plattsburg University, New York, then finished his graduate work at Bloomsburg University.

While teaching at Donald Eichhorn Middle School, he coached wrestling, football, and was the advisor for the student council for over twenty years. He also served as the Lewisburg Staff Representative to the Lewisburg Area School Board, was a member of the Blue Ribbon Panel Committee, and was involved in instituting the most up-to-date teaching techniques and polices for the middle school students. His fondest memories are of the many students and staff members. Teaching was not a job to Bill, it was his passion and it brought him great joy.

Bill was actively involved in politics during his lifetime, a family tradition passed down by his father’s side of the family. He served as Chairman of the Union County Republican Committee for six years, and represented the Republican voters of Union County as their State Committeeman for six years. He also served as a local republican committee person in the East Ward of Mifflinburg and in Kelly Township of Lewisburg.

He was elected Supervisor of Kelly Township during his tenure as a teacher. While serving, he was also Vice-Chairman of the Union County Association of Township Officials and is a life member of the Union County Historical Society.

After his retirement from teaching, Bill was elected Union County Commissioner, assuming office in 2004. He was re-elected in 2008. During his tenure as Union County Commissioner, he served for a number of years as Chairman of the Union County Prison Boards, and was a member who served as Chairman of the CMSU Mental Health Board. He was one of the commissioners who spearheaded the Local Union County Drug Prevention Committee, and the Union County Drug Discount Program. Bill was one of the commissioners who supported and encouraged the other commissioners to purchase the County Government Center. He resigned as a Union County Commissioner in 2009. Before his resignation, he was involved with the establishment of a drug court and day reporting center.

His greatest joy in life was the wonderful relationship he had with his children, their families, and with his beautiful fiancé of 34 years, Donna Joy and her children. Through the good and challenging times, both families were always there for each other and Bill hopes this family bond continues for generations to come. In addition to his family and the friends of his family, Bill would like to thank you for providing him with a very rewarding and fulfilling life.

Traveling and vacationing with Donna and family was a great part of his life. Day trips to Sullivan county, twice early trips to Maine and other New England States, visiting Lake George, New York to rekindle relationships with friends brought Bill so much joy. Going to Atlantis and other trips to the Caribbean Islands with family members were enjoyed. For many years, he also visited Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC area with family members. He was a man who was always busy helping other people in their time of need and enjoyed being outside and taking care of his yard or helping others with their yard work.

Bill is survived by his loving fiancé, Donna Joy; three children, Lisa (Craig) Lutcher, of McEwensville, Kelli Haas, of Augusta, GA, and William (Terri) Haas, of Milton; Donna’s children, Thomas (Teresa) Joy, of Mount Pleasant Mills; four grandchildren, Erica Lutcher (Sunny), of McEwensville, Shawnee Lutcher, of Milton, Bahram Khamnei, of Arlington, VA, and Bayley Brion, of Milton; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by the following half-brothers and half-sisters, Jack Casselberry, of Mechanicsburg, Roger Haas, of McEwensville, Kenneth Haas, of Arlington, VA, Clark Haas, of Lewisburg, Helen Straub (Casselberry), of Milton, Patricia Day (Casselberry), of Williamsport, and Virginia Fisher (Casselberry), of White Deer Township; and Donna’s son, Travis Joy, of Massachusetts.

At Bill’s request, there will be no services and his ashes will be buried in the Mazeppa Union Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

If so desired, memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to either the Union County Historical Society or the Green Dragon Association.

Bill’s children would like to extend a special thank you to Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village and Hospice of Evangelical for their great care and guidance during Bill’s final days.  We also thank the many friends and family members who visited, as those visits brought Bill great joy.