John Havay

John Havay, 80 died Saturday January 8, 2011 at home with his family by his side. He was born in Hazleton, Pa. the son of the late Michael and Mary Havay. John was one of 10 children. He had 2 sisters and 7 brothers. John had a twin brother Andrew, they were born 1 month apart, a rare medical occurrence of delayed births. He was a resident of Bridgewater, NJ for the past 44 years. John has spent his lifetime serving and supporting Veterans. Six out of the eight brothers served in the United States Army in three different wars. George Havay fought in the Normandy Invasion with the 29th infantry division, the Private Ryan Division, and was killed and buried in St. James Cemetery in France. John and his twin brother went to France to trace George's steps and visit his grave site. His brother Joseph Havay fought in the Pacific winning the Silver Star in the Battle of Manila. John and his brothers Andrew and Adam all served their Country in the Korean War. John worked as a hydraulic press man for the Johns Manville Corporation in Manville for 33 years. He then worked for Somerset County as the Director of Veterans Affairs for 25 years before retiring in 2009. He obtained disability, health and death benefits for Veterans. He participated in the American Legion for over 50 years. He was an active member of the Honor and Color Guard for over 35 years and participated in hundreds of parades and attended over 1500 Military Funerals. John was a past Commander of the Somerville American Legion Post #12. He was also a past Somerset County Commander and past State Vice Commander. John served on the Advisory Councils for Human Services, the Office on Aging and the Office of the Disabled. He also served on various other committees that supported Veterans. John was a member of the Clinton Elks, the Somerville Knights of Columbus, an Honorary Life Member of Rolling Thunder and a member of the Basilone Parade Committee for 15 years. Mr. Havay was a member of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Raritan, NJ for 50 years. He also served as an usher at the Church. He was the type of man who when anyone called day or night he was there to lend a helping hand. Most of all John was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather.He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Frances L. Havay in 2006 and by a son Anthony C. Havay. He was also predeceased by 6 of his brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived by his daughters Mary Amato of North Plainfield, NJ, Ann Havay of Plainfield, NJ and Angela Havay of Plainfield, NJ, his sons John Havay and his wife Christine of Bloomsbury, NJ, and Michael Havay and his wife Janice of Redbank, NJ. He is also survived by a brother Paul Havay of Milnesville, Pa. and a daughter-in-law Karen Havay of Somerville, NJ. Also survived by 7 grandchildren Anthony, John, Lucas, Chelsea, Andrew, Michael and Kellianne. The viewing will be on Thursday January 13, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ. (908)575-8512. The Funeral will be on Friday January 14, 2011 10:00 AM from the Ketusky Funeral Home followed by a 11:00 AM Mass at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Raritan, NJ. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ. For additional information please visit our website at www.ketusky.com.

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John Havay

September 15, 1930 - January 8, 2011