William Hafer

William (Bill) Hafer was born November 23, 1937, in Philadelphia to Elmer and Matilda (Mae) Hafer. Attending Most Blessed Sacrament, and then West Catholic, where he ran and excelled in track, and basketball. Bill joined the United States Marine Corps in 1956 and was always proud to point out and say he was a Marine. Bill was known for his crazy sense of humor, pranks and jokes he would play. From putting on accents to pretend he was from a different country, to dressing in costumes to play jokes. And randomly breaking out in song. He married his "Suz" in 1972 and together they had 5 children and settled in Good Shepherd Parish in Southwest Philadelphia. Always the showman Bill, or "Billy", could be found working, singing, and entertaining behind the Bar at Mickey's Tavern in Upper Darby for years. There wasn't a person there that didn't love him and came in specifically for him. Sometimes misunderstood because of his funny/crazy antics, Bill would pick up and help elderly people he saw waiting on the side of the road, and drive them where they needed to be, he always went out of his way to help strangers. He once carried a boy and his leg, whose leg had been cut off by a train from the train tracks to safety. Quickly thinking and tying off the boy's leg with the shirt off his back while others looked on. When he wasn't working or at home, Bill was ALWAYS on the basketball courts. Outplaying, and outrunning people half his age well into his 70's. Always in basketball sneakers and basketball shorts even in his 80's, and even in the wintertime. Teaching all his kids to play and love sports. From taking us "around the playground for some pop ups", to taking us to the basketball courts. Bill loved basketball, and the Sixers, and sports was always on the tv. He was always singing around the house, especially Irish music. At the end of the 1990's Bill moved to Toms River NJ, where he continued to play basketball, and now, go to the beach every day. He loved the beach and was an absolute "beach bum". He was stubborn as a mule, and this served him well. He overcame several battles with cancer, and several other health issues requiring surgeries, hospital stays, and lengthy recoveries. And Bill got up the next day, acting like no surgery or health issue had taken place. Doctors called him a "tank". And he was. a devout Catholic, Bill never missed church, and said the rosary several times a day. And always believed "thy will be done". He is predeceased by his wife of 50 years Suzan (White) Hafer, his parents Elmer and Mae (O'Lone) Hafer, his twin brother Robert, older brother Elmer (Sam), and younger sister Joan, and granddaughter Erin. He is survived by his children Bill (Renee), Michael (Andrea), Marianne, Christian (Marjorie) and Elizabeth. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, and by his loving dog who loved to be by his side. Even though he was 86, this was unexpected, and his children are devastated to lose their superhuman, force of nature "Daddy". Bill was a Frank Sinatra fan, and often sang this song that describes him perfectly. "And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this. I did it my way. Regrets, I've had a few, But then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course. Each careful step along the byway and more, much more than this. I did it my way." Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Mass at 10 AM at Divine Mercy Church, 6667 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142. Interment will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Rachubinskl & Rogers Funeral Homes. Share Online Condolences at www.rachubinskiandrogersfh.com

William Hafer

April 25, 2024

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William Hafer

April 25, 2024

Obituary Notification

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