Ralph B. Haley

Ralph B. Haley, 98, WWII Army Air Corps Pilot, passed away peacefully June 9, 2015 at the Colorado Veterans Home at Fitzsimons in Aurora, CO. Beloved father of John Haley, Patricia (Ed) Hughes, Jean (Bill Bredar) Haley, James Haley and Mary Haley; loving grandfather of Jennifer, Kevin, Brian, Melanie, Joseph, Kristen, Claire and Luke; great grandfather of Haley, Avery and Colin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Trudy. Ralph Haley was born in his home in Denver, Colorado on July 30, 1916 to German immigrant Theresa Mertz and Irish immigrant Bernard Haley. He had three siblings; Ray, who was his identical twin, his older sister Elizabeth and his younger brother George. Ralph had a strong work ethic and started working at a early age as a caddy and paperboy as he went to school at St. Joseph's High School and University of Denver where he earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he enlisted with his twin brother in the Army Air Corps to become a B-17 pilot in WWII. He and his twin brother were assigned to the 384th Bomb Group in Grafton, England. On his 18th mission, he was shot down and became a POW for the next 11 months. He wrote about his war experience: http://384thbombgroup.com/_content/_documents/Stories/HALEY-R-B.pdf After the war, he shared 49 wonderful years with his beloved wife Trudy, until her death in 1999. He worked as an financial administrator at the Air Force Finance and Accounting Center in Denver for 30 years. He also invested in several apartment buildings and took the role of the friendly handyman and landlord. Ralph and Trudy raised 5 children; John, Patricia, Jean, James and Mary. Everyone in the family participated in the maintenance of the apartment buildings. His children learned his strong work ethic while also learning painting, plumbing and electrical skills. Wife Trudy, a real estate agent by profession, picked out properties in Aurora, Colorado so that he could also fit in rounds of golf several times a week after checking in with the apartments. He continued to be an avid golfer into his 90's. Ralph shared his strong Catholic faith with the family and eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Ralph raised his children in a positive, accepting, humorous manner. After slowly declining in his health over the last years, we rejoice that he now shares in eternal life. All services will be held at Horan & McConaty located at 11150 E Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014. Visitation on Friday, June 12, 5-7 PM; and Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 13, 10 AM. Please share your memories of Ralph and condolences with his family by selecting the guestbook link below.