Richard L. Haffner
August 2, 1949 - December 31, 2025

Richard (Rick) Haffner was a man of sharp intellect and even sharper wit who passed away on December 31, 2025. Born in Akron, Ohio, on August 2, 1949, he spent seventy-six years observing the world with a skeptical eye and a well-timed, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor.

While he often appeared quiet to the casual observer, those he loved knew he always had plenty to say. He was a man who valued substance over small talk and had absolutely no patience for nonsense. To be in Rick's inner circle was to be treated to a unique brand of clever humor that rewarded those quick enough to catch it.

As an avid and lifelong reader, Rick was rarely seen without a book in his hands. He found a kindred spirit in the dry and cynical brilliance of Mark Twain, though there was truly nothing he wouldn’t read. He possessed a vast and self-taught knowledge of the world and likely would have admitted in his quieter moments that he preferred the company of a good book to the company of most people.

Professionally, he worked as a skilled die caster in a trade that matched his hardworking and practical nature. That capability followed him home where there was simply nothing he couldn’t fix. Whether he was tackling a complex car repair or a stubborn home renovation, he could manage any project through a determined cloud of swearing that was just as essential to the process as the tools themselves (of which he had many).

His memory and his unique perspective on life will be carried on by his children Amanda Penney, Louis Haffner, and Betsy Haffner as well as his five grandchildren Lacie, Emma, Liam, Jackson, and Ellie.

In honor of Rick’s memory, please consider spending an afternoon with a good book or fixing something that needs a little attention.