John A. Haelen

John Archambeau Haelen was born on February 19, 1925, in the Bronx to John Allison and Alta Archambeau Haelen, their only child. Most people in the Middletown area knew John when he and his wife Helen operated Club 211. John always personally welcomed his guests. He served as Master of Ceremonies for weddings in his glittery tuxes while crooning out songs with the bands. John's showmanship started early when, at 12, he modeled for Sears Roebuck. John attended NYC high schools but left before graduating in order to enlist in the United States Navy (Fireman 1st Class). From 1943 until 1946, he honorably served on the U.S.S. L.C.I. (L)490, participating in the Normandy Invasion. John was proud to say he could make "a diesel engine sing" (he found music in everything). In 2002, John was awarded his high school diploma through Operation Recognition for his devotion and sacrifice during World War II. John received his diploma from Minisink Valley High School alongside grandsons, Jacob and John. John returned to NYC after the war. He loved big band music and was a fabulous dancer, and he took his wife-to-be, Helen Sasja, to the Waldorf Astoria on their first date. They were married in 1948. A dear old friend told John, "Jackie boy, you need to start a business," and thus began Johnny's Club 211, the "party restaurant." A few years later came eight children in eight years: seven sons and finally a daughter. Club 211 operated for 56 years, first as a bar and restaurant and later as a popular catering destination that offered great food and dancing to the big bands. Together, John and Helen, who ran the kitchen (those rolls!), hosted many community events, including service organizations, banquets, weddings (and later those couples' anniversaries), retirements, and Christmas parties. John was a 50+-year member and former President of the Middletown Lions Club, a member of the Pilgrims Corner Grammar School Board and a substitute teacher, a 15-year member and former President of the Minisink Valley School Board, a board member of Head Start,and a member of the Elks Club. John also owned and operated the Golden Swan Hotel in Swan Lake, NY, for over 15 years. In his later years, John and his companion Gertrude Walker vacationed in Hilton Head Island, SC, and Florida. He enjoyed tracing his family's genealogy, which also led him to annual family reunions in Portland, Oregon, and travels to Switzerland and Germany. John attended U.S. Navy conventions where he reconnected with his former Navy buddies. On Sunday, February 21, 2016, two days after his 91st birthday, John died peacefully in his Middletown home with his loving family at his side. John is survived by his devoted companion, Gertrude Walker; seven sons: John Haelen and his wife, Cathy of Middletown, Gary Haehlen and his wife, Sophia of New York City, Terrance Haelen and his wife, Trish of Middletown, Gerald Haelen of Middletown, Ronald Haelen and his wife, Walli of Middletown, Rick Haelen of Staunton, Virginia, and Robert Haelen and his wife, Joanne of New Baltimore; one daughter: Susan Haelen of New York City; nine grandchildren: Jacob, John, Ashley, Alicia, Andrew, Emily, Nina, Anabelle, and Michael; three great-grandsons: John Atticus, Rafael Julian, and Dean Tiger; nephew "Cousin Ed" Yankovich; and close family friends, Stanley and Alta Dombrowski. He was predeceased by Helen, his wife of 52 years. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016, at Morse Funeral Home, 33 Railroad Avenue, Middletown, during the hours of 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Middletown Lions Club services will begin at 8 p.m. followed by a celebration of John’s life. Cremation and graveside services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to Ruby's Rainbow, which is dedicated to the higher educational needs of adults with Down syndrome (rubysrainbow.org), or to the Middletown Lion's Club Foundation Inc., PO Box 122, Middletown, NY 10940. Arrangements are under the direction of Morse Funeral Home Inc. 845 343 6918. www.morsefuneralhome.com

John A. Haelen

February 19, 1925 - February 21, 2016