WORCESTER – Robert J. Haran, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022, with his beloved wife and children by his side. Born and raised in Worcester, Bob was the son of the late James E. and Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Haran.
He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen E. (Hayes) Haran; nine children, R. Michael Haran of Worcester, Mary Ellen Keogh and her husband, James of Worcester, Timothy J. Haran and his wife, Anne Marie of Charlton, James E. Haran of Worcester, Daniel S. Haran and his wife, Elaine of Worcester, Regina E. Greene and her husband, Peter of Worcester, Helen T. Haran and her husband, Donald Cox of Sterling, Joseph T. Haran and his wife, Brittany of North Carolina, and Mark A. Haran of Clinton; two sisters, Anne Powers of Worcester and Sheila Clary of Holden; 11 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.
Bob was a graduate of St. Stephen’s High School in Worcester, class of 1954. He attended The College of the Holy Cross where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He later received a master’s degree in education from Worcester State University.
It was during a dance sponsored by Bishop Wright that he shared his first dance with Kathleen Hayes and thus began a life of love and devotion. The two dated through college and were married on June 27, 1959 at St. Mary’s of Assumption Church in Milford.
He was a dedicated and exemplary educator for 41 years. He began his career as a substitute teacher in Worcester before taking a teaching position in Westborough where he taught junior high school. He subsequently taught for 37 years in Wayland at Claypit Hill Elementary School before his retirement in 1999.
Bob was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Bernard’s Church in Worcester where he served as a lector and finance committee member. He lived his faith through participation in many charitable and spiritual organizations. He was an active member and Grand Knight of St. Bernard’s Parish Knights of Columbus, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the First Friday Club and a founding member of the Planning Committee for the annual Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference. He was also an active member of the Holy Cross Alumni Sodality of Our Lady.
In addition to his faithful service to the church, as an avid New England sports fan and a committed mentor for young people, Bob generously volunteered many years coaching baseball for the Speaker Little League in Worcester.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Sunday, January 30, at the Kelly Funeral Home, 154 Lincoln St., Worcester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, January 31, at St. Bernard’s Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the St. Bernard’s Church Food Pantry, 236 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.