Leonard J. Haller

COLONIE, NY – Leonard J. Haller, 94, of Colonie, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Born in Colonie, he was the son of the late Leonard and Anna Haller. Mr. Haller was a resident of Colonie for all of his life. Leonard was a U. S. Army veteran serving his country during World War II. He worked for the General Electric Company for over 40 years before retiring. Mr. Haller was a communicant of St. Clare's Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Leonard was the beloved husband of the late Christine C. Haller. He is the devoted father of Tim (Kevin Kelly) Haller of Coeymans and Sheila Gilmour of Colonie. He is the brother of John Haller of Colonie, Frank (Elizabeth) Haller of Glenville, and the late Joseph Haller and Andrew Haller. He is the cherished grandfather of Emily (Michael Artis) Gilmour, Shannon (James Lucas) Gilmour, Teddy Winter and Matthias "Matty" Kelly-Haller. He is the great-grandfather of Michael Artis, Alyssa Lucas and Devin Lucas. Leonard is the brother-in-law of Mary Haller and Joan Haller. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Leonard was predeceased by his beloved Aunt Mary, whom he called "Mom" after the premature death of his mother.
He was a giving man who was quiet about his own good deeds. Throughout his life his concern was for others - for his younger brothers in his early years; for his country during WWII when taking part in the 2nd wave of the Normandy landings; for strangers in his adult years thru the St. Vincent de Paul society; for neighbors and kin, fixing their broken plumbing, washing machines or furnaces; and for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the past few years, saying that God was keeping him here to help them out. We will remember him for his maple syrup, his love of camping and hiking in the woods, his huge garden, his love of God and of family, especially Christine, and the many times in the past 60 years he shared his home with others whether for hours, days or years.
Funeral services will be Tuesday morning at 8:15 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. Clare's Church at 9:00 a.m. where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Cyril & Method Cemetery, Rotterdam. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Clare's Church, Building Fund, 1947 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Leonard J. Haller. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com