Our hearts are breaking, as the family of Gary Haibach shares the peaceful passing of our patriarch, warrior, and light of Faith, on Monday May 20,2024. He was born August 22, 1941, the eldest son of Vincent B. and C. Beatrice “Bea” (Diver) Haibach.
Gary married the love of his life, Connie (Fuhrman), on August 12,1967. He joked that he told her on their first date that he was going to marry her. Her response was, “Over my dead body”. They would have been married 57years this August. Heartbroken are his sons, Kurt, wife Tina, of Erie, and Brian, wife Lisa, of Lynchburg, Virginia. His grandson, Stone, was the apple of his eye. “Young man, you are loved.” Lovingly remembering Gary are his sister, Caroll Boyer, husband Dennis of Erie, and brother Vince, and his wife Domi of Erie. “Uncle Gary” the “favorite uncle”, will be sorely missed by 23 nieces and nephews, as well as the in-laws and out-laws on both sides of the family. Gary is further survived by many cousins. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brothers Dale, 2021, and Ron, 2023.
Faith, family and work framed Gary’s life. From a young age, beginning at St. John school, where he stayed after school power scrubbing the floors with Father Jerge, Church was his second home. After graduating from Cathedral Prep in 1960, he went on to St. Mark Seminary, graduating from Gannon College with a degree in Philosophy. Realizing that God had other plans for him, he gave back to the Church by teaching at St. Luke school, from 1965-67.
After he and Connie were married, the “Pope” as the family affectionally called him, showed us by his actions, the love he had for his God and God’s love of us. He was so proud that he made the first Cursillo in Erie, in 1963, and worked #99. He was a constant drummer, encouraging and asking all to make a Cursillo. His ardor in bringing others to Christ, helped make St. Bernadette in Saegertown, our parish for 34 years, a Cursillo community. While at St. Bernadette, Gary began his ministry as a Eucharistic Minister, and of gardener and window washer. He attended daily Mass, and when that was stopped, he and others faithfully held Communion Services 5 days a week. He continued his ministry when we moved back to St. Luke in 2016.
When we think of Gary and family certain words or phrases come to mind. Mr. Sunrise and Sunset, Peace, Euchre, Pop, Haibach reunions, Dance man, 4th of July celebrations, Mr. TSA man (tax-sheltered annuity), Mr. H, Family trips, Flower gardens, Orchids, Mr. Window cleaner, Fishing of any kind anywhere; Hunting with his dad, brothers and sons; Animal House, Beaches, Oysters, Being on any kind of water, Aruba, Lost hearing aids, keys and wallets. Blue spruce Christmas trees with C-9 lights wired up to look like candles; Tank.
Work ethic and being a Haibach are synonymous. Gary’s family owned and operated Haibach Meat Packing for 100 years. Gary would work there after school all through his teen age and college years. The boys were raised with it, and they all worked in the plant. It was in fact the only real time they had together with their dad. That work ethic carried over into every other facet of Gary’s work life. In 1972 he went to work for Travelers Insurance, now Cetera, as an independent broker dealer. He quickly found a niche in the tax-sheltered annuity market, servicing non- profits. He had a special fondness for working with teachers and professors in school districts and local colleges. He was a one-on-one person with each of his clients, looking to their needs and what their individual goals for retirement were. He developed friendships with them, and they continue until this day. Over the years he achieved many honors and achievements. He earned his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), and his LUTC, (Life Underwriters Training Council) designations. He was president of the local LUTC., where he made life-long friendships with other professionals. He was a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, as well as a lifetime member of the National Quality of Life, which recognized retention of clients, book of business and client satisfaction. His crowning achievement was being a national 25-year qualifier for the National Leadership Conference. In addition, his production put him into the elite top 25 in the country as Honor Guard for 12 years. Regionally, he was the top tax-sheltered annuity producer for 20 years. In 1992, his son Kurt joined the firm, and the legacy of a family business continued. So, from a relatively small Erie Pa., Gary blazed a wide path that spanned the country and made him a leader among leaders.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Maggie Benson, who guided Gary through his health journey this past year. Without her, we know, we would not have had the quality of life and time with Gary that we enjoyed. Also, many thanks to family and friends, Hospice and Home Instead who helped make his final weeks and days comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the following were close to Gary’s heart: The Erie Cursillo Movement 429 E. Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16504; The S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, Fishing Club, PO Box 3605 Erie, PA 16508; St. Luke Church Capital Campaign. 421 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.
Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, May 30th, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 845 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504, and may attend a prayer there on Friday, May 31st at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at St. Luke Church at 11 a.m. Burial at Trinity Cemetery will follow.
Posted online on May 23, 2024
Published in Erie Times-News
