Raymond E. Haffke

Raymond E. Haffke                                                                       1929 - 2010 Springfield - Raymond E. "Rocky" Haffke, 80, passed away on Sunday, January 17 at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke. Born in Springfield on January 21, 1929, the son of the late Henry and Gladys (Jennison) Haffke.  Rocky is a graduate of Chicopee High School and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  Rocky was the former co-owner of the Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield and was employed there until November 2009. Rocky was an ardent race fan and worked many years at Riverside Speedway along with his brother Jake. He went to many Daytona 500 races. Rocky was a competitive roller-skater before joining the army. He loved going to the casino and enjoyed his travels to New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Moody Beach, Maine.  He was an avid card player and also enjoyed spending time in his garden and landscaping. One of his proudest memories was restoring a summer home in Moody Beach, Maine.  Rocky will be remembered for his willingness to help anyone under any circumstances or time of need.  He leaves his beloved companion of many years, Nancy Phillips of Springfield.  He was a "special" father to Karen Phillips, Marcia Chatigny, Kevin Phillips, and Kristin Mayo and her husband David, and a beloved "special" grandfather to Nathan Phillips, Samantha, Lylah, and Charley Mayo.  He is survived by three brothers, Henry and his wife Lorraine, Dana and his wife Merlene, and Jake and his wife Diane, one sister, Sylvia Haffke, and several nieces and nephews.  A Service of Remembrance will take place at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway, Chicopee on Friday, January 22nd at 11 a.m.  A calling hour will precede the service from 10-11 a.m. Committal services will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main St. Agawam.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rocky's name may be directed to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040.  Please visit www.tylunasfuneralhome.com for an online guestbook and directions.  Rocky will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and whose lives he has touched.