Walter Haecker

Walter Haecker (94) died peacefully at home on his birthday, May 28,2023. Walter was born in Heilbronn, Germany. He was the son of Anna (Kohler) Haecker and Otto Haecker. In 1949, Walter immigrated to the US at 19 years old to work in his Uncles’ bakery in Bronx, NY.

He joined the US Army and fought in The Korean War. He later earned his Civil Engineering Degree from the City College of New York (CUNY) For thirty years he worked for the NYC Transit Authority and later with the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection. Walter proudly raised eight children alongside his wife of 66 years, Mary Helen (Hoye)Haecker.

While Walter was raising his family, he was also an avid gardener. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, and kept himself busy with many projects. He loved all animals and had a small hobby farm with goats, sheep, chickens and even a pony at one time. Those were in addition to the numerous dogs and cats that surrounded him throughout his life. After retirement, he became very involved with the YMCA and working out and swimming became a part of his daily schedule. He was always determined to stay vigorous and healthy. He enjoyed meeting new people.

Upon moving to Ridgefield, he spent a lot of time at the rec center to continue the strong habit he had built at the YMCA. In his final years he lived across the street from a dog park where he loved to go daily with his dog, Sophie for hours at a time. He made many new friends there as they all shared the same love of dogs. Those were very special times for him, and he felt fortunate for every day.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Helen, Ridgefield CT, and his children; Walter (Clara), Modena NY, ; Stephen (Carolina), Celebration FL; Karen Davidson (John), Norwalk, CT; Laurie Critelli (Gary),Saratoga Springs,NY; John (Dawn), Wappinger Falls,NY; Peter (Heather), Goldens Bridge,NY; Michael (Regina), Pleasantville, NY and Rosemarie, Duanesburg NY. He is also leaving behind nineteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his younger brother Klaus of Heilbronn, Germany. Walter is preceded in his death by his brother, Hans and sister, Annelore.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Marys Church in Ridgefield CT on Monday June 5, at 10:00 am, and he will be laid to rest at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Somers, NY. at 11:45am.