Darrel E. Haley of Pawling, New York, passed away January 9, 2023, in Ridgefield, Connecticut, at the age of 78. Darrel was born February 11, 1944, in Junction City, Kansas to the late Gerald and Hazel (Baker) Haley. He spent the majority of his youth in Junction City enjoying his favorite activities such as playing baseball, trumpet, music, traveling, learning history, and between the ages of 12 and 16 worked delivering newspapers until he started his job in the newspaper office.
Darrel graduated from Junction City High School in 1962. In 1964, Darrel joined the Navy where he started basic training in San Diego, California. During his time in basic training, he marched playing the bugle. During his time in the Navy, he served two tours in Vietnam. He was also involved in Top Secret Communications under a pineapple field in Hawaii. Darrel was then stationed on USS Enterprise Aircraft Carrier and toured the Pacific Ocean for three years. While stationed in California, he met the love of his life Sharon Hunt in 1967. The two went on to marry in 1968 at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, New York.
After the military Darrel spent the majority of his career working as a Telephone Switchman for Verizon. During his beginning years as a switchman, he attended night school at West Connecticut State University, earning an associate degree in history.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Sharon (Hunt) Haley of Pawling, New York; his son & daughter-in-law Christopher & Michelle Haley of Valley Village, California; his sister-in-law Michele Hunt of Brewster, New York; many nieces; as well as great nieces and nephews. Darrel was predeceased by his sister, Sandra Jacobs.
A Memorial Visitation was held Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Beecher Funeral Home at 1 Putnam Avenue Brewster, New York. Services were held Wednesday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Beecher Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Home, with inurnment to follow at Milford Cemetery.