John C. Haelen

HAELEN, JOHN C.

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Haelen, John C. (Jess), born October 1, 1925, "Slipped the Surly Bonds of Earth" on March 20, 2014 after a short illness.

During WWII he left a promising career in Eastman Kodak's color photography research lab to join what was then the Army Air Corps, where he served as a navigator. After his discharge as a 2nd Lieut., he enrolled at the University of Rochester under the G.I. Bill, and graduated with an accounting degree. He joined a major accounting firm in Rochester, and a few years later his interest in owning his own business led him to establish Jess Haelen Racing Engines, a custom high-performance racing engine shop which quickly became known for excellence, both in hydroplane boat and auto racing engines.

During that time he acquired his Private Pilot license, was a member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc.) and enjoyed owning and flying his own airplane for many years. In 1973 he married Eva G. Hoy and they resided in Brighton, NY, up until the time of his death. After retirement he continued to have a keen interest in history and was an avid reader; his favorite subjects were the American Revolutionary War and World War II military history.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Marie Haelen, and brothers Robert and Thomas Haelen.
Survivors include his loving wife, Eva G. Haelen; sister Lorraine Haelen Wahl (Robert), sister-in-law Dorothy B. Haelen (Thomas), sister-in-law Nancy C. Haelen (Robert), nephews Eric R. Wahl,Thomas G. Haelen, and Robert C. Haelen (Kathy), and nieces Susan Haelen Lee (David), Laurie Haelen, Julie Febrey (Tim), Cynthia Handley (Chris); great-nephews Maddox Haelen and Michael Lee; great-niece Kayleigh Lee.

Arrangements are by Crawford Funeral Home; a memorial service for family and friends will be announced at a future date, followed by private interment at Webster Union Cemetery. Online messages for the family are welcome at www.crawfordfuneralhome.com

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