John W. 'Jack' Haines

John W. 'Jack' Haines, of Meriden, loving husband of the late Doris M. (Hoppe) Haines died peacefully December 13, 2018 at the age of 102 at the Connecticut Baptist Home surrounded by his loving family. Jack lived at the Baptist Home for the past 21 years and was their oldest living resident. We greatly thank everyone there for all of their years of loving care. Jack was born in New Britain November 16, 1916, the eldest son of the Late John Walter Haines and Anna Frederica (Smith) Haines. He was predeceased by his brother Robert L. Haines. Jack lived most of his youth in the Plantsville section of Southington and graduated from Southington High School. He later settled in Meriden in the 1940's to raise his family. He served in the U. S Army Air Corp during World War II, obtaining the rank of First Sargent. During his tour, he trained Bombardiers and Navigators. He returned from the War, married Doris M. Hoppe, and had three sons. His eldest son Richard passed at age 1 1/2.. Together they raised their two other sons, Mark W. Haines and Gary J. Haines. Mark and his wife Lillian (Peters) reside in Wallingford and Gary and his wife Colleen Kinard reside in Meriden. Jack attended Laurel Business School and went on to have many diverse jobs over the years, including Men's Suit Salesman, Car Salesman, and Dispatcher for CT Light and Power, from which he retired. His true love was his beloved South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department. To his final day, he considered them his large extended family. He joined the department in 1956 and rose through the ranks from Truck Lieutenant, Treasurer, and was elected Chief in 1962. He served as Chief from 1962 to 1969. His greatest accomplishment was teaming up with a local patron to acquire and restore a 1931 Ahrens-Fox Ladder truck, which is still used today as a parade piece. He remained a member of the SMVFD until his passing and was their oldest living member. His stories of his time as a Volunteer Firefighter are many, including the famed Palace Block Fire in 1957 and many others. Jack attended Saint John Lutheran Church, where he served on many committees, was an elder, and also their oldest living parishioner. Jack was also a member of the Mason Friendship Lodge 33 in Southington, and served on the City of Meriden's Town Safety Committee for many years. He liked to laugh and enjoy life; he enjoyed boating with his 34-foot Elco Cabin Cruiser and was a Charter Member of the Meriden US Power Squadron in 1954. Jack remained active and driving until his 98th birthday. Besides his two sons and daughters-in-law, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews that will mourn his passing. Friends are invited to visit with Jack's family on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 4-7pm in the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, Meriden. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 11am in the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. The family asks that everyone join them at Violi's Restaurant at Hunter Memorial Golf Course following the interment. In lieu of flowers donations in Jack's memory may be made to the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Dept. by making checks payable to SMVFD Historical Fund, P.O. Box 3030, South Meriden, CT 06450-3030.