Obit: Eugene Haba, Longtime Trumbull Resident

Image and Obituary via The Commerce Hill Funeral Home

Eugene Edward Haba, Sr. age 91, passed away on September 26, 2018. The devoted and adored husband of Josephine Perkowski Haba of 63 years, he was born in Bridgeport, CT and graduated from Bassick High School in 1945. The son of Frank Carl Haba and Agnes Orsag Haba, he survived his siblings; Albina Haba McGowan Lemonea and Mary Haba Zak. He lost two brothers, Frank and Louis and another sister Margaret in the influenza epidemic in 1918. Gene was a resident of Trumbull, CT for over 60 years.

While attending Bassick, Gene worked at the Barnum Hotel as a bellhop meeting many famous and renowned persons. He loved his work experience as it built his confidence balancing a 40 workweek during high school. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the submarine service. His submarine was an active vessel at Operation Crossroads at the Bikini atomic bomb test. Honorably discharged, he was always proud of his service to his country and his fellow submariners.

Following his service, Gene attended the University of Connecticut graduating with a B.S. in agricultural engineering and a business management degree. Upon graduation, he became an assistant buyer at Howland’s department store where he enjoyed the autonomy and challenge of growing sales through innovative ideas and promotions.

Gene went on to enjoy great success in the international machinery business becoming partner of Gavlick Machinery Corporation. Over 30 years, he created new markets and earned a stellar reputation in the industry for his integrity and meticulous follow-through with his customers around the world. He was proud to build a company to over 200 employees with his business partner Richard Gavlick. He always felt the ability to hire, develop and promote his employees was one of his greatest professional accomplishments. One of his favorite jokes was referring to himself as an M.D. -- Machinery Dealer.

Gene cherished every moment with his family and led an active life. As a member of the Melody Men, Coastal Chordsmen and S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. barbershop organizations, he created smiles and goodwill through song. You could also find him leading mass every week at Christ The King Parish in Trumbull, CT. He loved the outdoors and his daily walk which entailed picking up every item of debris in his path to leave the world a cleaner place. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 141 and the Wire Association International.

In addition to his wife Josephine, of Trumbull, Gene is survived by his five children including his daughters Michele Haba Rosiak and her husband Brian of Shelton and Gail Haba from Trumbull. His three sons include Eugene Edward Haba Jr. and his wife Erica of Black Rock, Mark Haba and his wife Carla of Milford and Craig Haba and his wife LeAnne of Franklin, MA. He loved and adored his four grandchildren including Victoria, Samantha, Olivia and Alexander Haba.

Family and friends are kindly invited to celebrate his life at a Memorial Mass Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 12:30 pm at Christ The King Parish in Trumbull, CT. The Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main St. Bridgeport has been entrusted with the services. Please consider donations in memory of Eugene to St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation; 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT or Christ The King Church; 4700 Madison Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611. For online memorials, to light a virtual candle and make a donation visit us at commercehillfh.com