Abraham Solomon Haller, 95, of West Hartford passed away early morning Tuesday (February 1, 2011). Born December 14, 1915 in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the oldest son of David and Rose Haller, who were founding members of the Yeshiva of Greater Hartford, now known as the Hebrew Academy, and committed to helping German refugees in the aftermath of World War II. Abe inherited their compassion, generosity, and kindness of spirit. Abe attended Boston University, majoring in business administration. After one and a half years of study, he returned to Hartford to help support his family. During World War II, Abe enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard and then transferred to the Army Air Corps because of his love for aviation. After his training, Abe had to choose between becoming a pilot or a navigator. Because he was very good with numbers, he chose navigation and completed two tours in the 8th Air Force, retiring as a Major. Although he received a Purple Heart, he refused to accept it, for fear it would alarm his parents. He also received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed in the military. After retiring, Abe felt strongly that he owed his country more and became a member of the Air Force Reserves and was active for 23 1/2 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He also served as president of the Officers Club in Hartford for two terms. Abe met the love of his life, Ria (Chogel) in 1946 and they were married on May 5, 1947. They were devoted to one another for 49 years, until Ria’s passing in 1996. Abe was first a door-to-door salesman before beginning his insurance business, the A.S. Haller Insurance Agency. He merged his successful company with the firm of May, Potter, Murphy and Cotter, which then merged with Alexander & Alexander. He retired as a Senior Vice President at the age of 60 and worked as a consultant until the age of 65. He was beloved by many for his counsel, compassion, honesty and integrity. He contributed generously to numerous secular and religious organizations and was one of the first honorees as Man of the Year at the Hebrew Academy. He leaves his beloved daughter and grandchildren, Sherry Haller, Arielle and Yoni, whom he cherished each day; his devoted younger brother George; and his three nephews, Michael, Brian, Jay and his loving wife Pattie, and their children, Scott and Kara. His daughter extends her heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hoffman/Summerwood, most especially, Randolph “Scotty,” Annabella Ferreira, Valerie Bartos, and Joan Carney; Dr. Ava Pannullo, Mary Reis, APRN, and Forest Stickney at Hebrew Health Care; Ellen Sanders-Nirentstein, RN, and Dr. Frederick Rowland of Mercy Community Health; and Pauline Bryan, his caregiver for 10 devoted years. Their care and support helped ensured the highest quality of life for Abe.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 3, 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT. Interment will immediately follow the service at Beth El Temple Cemetery, 51 Jackson St., Avon. The family will be sitting a traditional shiva Thursday following burial, through Wednesday morning at the home of Jay and Pattie Haller, 24 Seneca Rd., West Hartford, CT.
Contributions in Abe Haller’s memory may be made to Rabbi Rosen’s Discretionary Fund at Beth El Temple of West Hartford, Young Israel of West Hartford, The Abe and Ria Haller Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford or a charity of the donor’s choice. May Abe’s memory be a source of strength and a blessing.Weinstein Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Abe, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com
