Obituary: Steven Werner Haas
Steven Werner Haas, 76, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, succumbed to his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Steven Werner Haas, 76, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, succumbed to his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease surrounded by his loved ones in Atlanta, who will honor his legacy by continuing to live their lives with integrity, determination and humor.
Steve was born in the Washington Heights section of New York City, N.Y., Feb. 23, 1945, to German Jewish refugee immigrants Frieda Stahl Haas Weinberg and Sidney Haas. As a child, he spent his summers by the ocean in Bradley Beach, N.J., developing a love for the beach. After passing a specialized admissions test and attending Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to graduate with an electrical engineering degree from City University of New York, making a close group of lifelong friends that shared not only an interest in engineering but also many fun times and escapades. He later obtained his master’s in engineering at Columbia University. He continued his education at Columbia, completing a doctorate studies without the dissertation and later his MBA from Rutgers University. Professionally, he joined Bell Laboratories in New Jersey upon graduation and remained with the company transitioning to AT&T’s business division until 1998. He was known there as an impeccably dressed, caring manager and skillful negotiator. He then joined NECA (later named Solix) helping the startup thrive by guiding the organization and clients through utility program details.
Upon graduation from college, he married his college sweetheart, Renee, and had three children Sidney, Cheryl and Melissa. While they raised their family primarily in New Jersey, they had a brief stay in Denver, Colo., where he developed a love for the mountains, the Denver Broncos and exploring new places. Upon retirement, Steve and Renee took many fabulous trips around the world.
Steve held himself to high standards and excelled at all he took on professionally, but also running long distances, maintaining a meticulous lawn, building elaborate model train setups, taking phenomenal photographs, or even finding the most delicious baked goods. Known for his quick wit and incredible energy, he will be missed by many. But having lost his own father at the age of 9, his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Congregation Ohr HaTorah, or Emory Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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