John Haelig, Sr.

John R. Haelig, Sr. passed away peacefully, although unexpectedly, at home Sept 13, 2026. Born in 1932, he celebrated his 94th birthday a few weeks before he passed. He is survived by daughter Alison, sons Ken and John Jr (Patty), grandchildren JoeAnna, Carlton (Kelly), and great-grandson Bode.

When we were kids, Dad told us many entertaining stories about growing up in Bound Brook with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles nearby. He had fond memories of his days at Lafayette Elementary School, Bound Brook High, Carson Long Military Academy and Bucknell University.

He wed our mother Shirley in 1958, after his service as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers building runways in Japan and spent over 40 years as an insurance agent and owner of his small family business, Fetterly-Haelig Insurance Agency in Bound Brook and Middlesex.

A great example of a civic-minded American, his values rested strongly on his and our mother’s deep roots in the community, going back for generations in Bound Brook and Bridgewater. He served on the Bridgewater Board of Adjustment and other committees, was a proud Rotarian and served as President of the Washington Camp Ground Association for many years. He often stated that his favorite, though, was with the Band Parents of Bridgewater-Raritan High School East.

He was very pleased to have his adult children and family with him frequently over the years.

After our mother died, Dad seemed to settle into “God’s waiting room,” as he sometimes said, waiting for “the man upstairs” (also his words) to take him. We hope that Dad’s last thoughts were about Mom, and that he found her, wherever he has gone.

Gathering with friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook.

A funeral service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

All arrangements are under the care and supervision of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.