Jeffrey A. Haenisch, 56, passed away Tuesday morning (September 28, 2010) at his home at 4358 County Route 14, Town of Howard, after a long illness.

Born in Passaic N.J. on June 1, 1954, he was a son of James and Jesse Collins Haenisch, who survive.  In 1973 he was married in Hornell to the former Phyllis Bauter, who also survives.

Jeff grew up in Fremont and was a former resident of Rome, but resided in Avoca for most of his life. A graduate of Arkport Central School, he also attended Mohawk College in Utica and received his bachelor’s degree from Empire State College.  Jeff was a thesis away from receiving his master’s degree.  He served with the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to his honorable discharge in 1976 having attained the rank Sergeant.

For 24 years he owned and operated Avoca Village Sales and was most recently employed as a correctional officer at the Steuben County Jail in Bath. 

A former member of the Better Business Bureau in Avoca, Jeff had a pilot license with a commercial endorsement and enjoyed flying and gliding.  Some of his other favorite pastimes include training and riding horses, playing golf and driving go-carts.  He was a semi pro soccer player and also coached soccer.  Above all, he loved the Lord and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren

Tribute written by Luke Reinbold (Son-in-law)

If you knew him very well you knew that Jeff was someone who always worked hard, played hard and loved hard.  Keeping up with him was something that was not always easy, but always full of rewards.

I had the privilege of working with him, of building a ranch and a business with him, but more importantly I was able to learn what it looks like to truly be selfless.  He told me one day that his mission in life was to make someone else’s day easier.  He said, “if I can do that for someone today that makes me happy”.  That is fitting because that is what he did every day.

 As the person on the other end of the phone told him, you have been diagnosed with cancer, December 24, Christmas Eve, his response was not one of tears or anger, it was “are you o.k. I know that is not a call you want to make on Christmas Eve.”  That was him always thinking of others.   Pretty much anyone here cannot think of a time when he did not make their day easier at some point.

The question was posed to him, after knowing of his prognoses, why you?  And his response, “Because I am ready, and you’re not”.   He always said “This is all part of God’s plan”.

He was someone that wanted the best for everyone.  Never would you hear a foul word come from his mouth.  And I doubt he even thought them.  He loved life and believed that one should never take anything for granted especially when it came to family.  As hard as he pushed to get something accomplished, he always had time for family.  He would say “you will never get this time back”.

He  wore many hats, coach, teacher, officer, boss, son, husband,  father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.  Of all the hats he wore, he always wore them to the best of his ability.

Jeff made it nine months and four days from his diagnoses, cherishing everyday he was given, which was nothing new for him.  He always said “if there is something you want to do in life, then do it, never look back with regrets.  My only regret is that it ended so soon."

 Dad you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.  We love you.