Duane Felix Haley

Duane Felix Haley, 92.5, a long-time resident of Bloomfield passed away on Friday March 10, 2023, after a long healthy life until his final days when he succumbed from natural causes. Duane was born in Stratford, CT on October 9, 1930. He was the son of renowned photographer Theodore Gibson Haley and Ethel Stephan Haley. He raised his family in Bloomfield, CT and spent his working career at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. As a fierce competitor Duane found time to enjoy many activities. Basketball, pool, bowling, ping pong but especially golf. Duane “Lousy” Haley found his passion for the game of golf at an early age. As a young child he caddied for many of the greats of the game. Getting his start at Fairchild Wheeler he caddied for men like Gene Sarazen and acquiring his first set of golf clubs from Julius Boros. He was a natural, the game came easy, but the finances did not. Duane attended Stratford High School and participated in many activities which included the golf team. After graduating from Stratford High School in 1948 Duane enlisted in the United States Marine Core a fraternity which he identified with throughout his life. While in the Marines, once again his passion followed him. Prior to being deployed to Korea he was working on his game at the course when a group approached him looking for a fourth, it so happened that the General of Recreation was in the group. He so impressed the General with his game that his remaining tour of duty was on the Marine Core Golf Team. After his Honorable Discharge and help from the GI Bill he attended North Texas State College. While at NTSC Horse as he would come to be known by his closest friends teamed up with golfing greats the likes of Don January, Jimmy Powell, and Gordon Jones. While at NTSC he met Helen Cecile Denton. They married on January 22, 1954, and eventually moved to Bloomfield, CT where Duane started his career with Connecticut General Insurance Company. Duane juggled the responsibility of his family and career but was still able to continue on with his “Passion”. He performed at a very high level winning many championships not only at the local level but national as well; Qualified for the 1969 USGA Amateur Championship at Oakmont Country Club; 1972 USGA Amateur Championship at Charlotte Country Club; 13 Hop Meadow Country Club Men’s Club Championships; 1984 Connecticut Senior Open; 1989 Connecticut Senior Amateur Championship: New England Senior Amateur Championship at the Golf Club of New Hampshire to name a few. Duane was also someone who willingly shared his talents with those who were less gifted than himself. His love of competition did not stop with golf. Duane was part of the original building committee for Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, a Pete Dye original established in 2003. He also had a love for the game of paddle tennis. He won a New England title and remained competitive into the late stages of his life. Together Duane and Helen raised their four children in Bloomfield all of whom attended Northwest Catholic High School. In his later years Duane enjoyed traveling with Helen to South Carolina for the month of March where he would practice his golf swing on the beach. He acquired a love for watching pelicans, but most important to him was his connection to the days he spent at Paris Island. Semper Fi! or better yet as Duane would say “Straight Ahead” Duane predeceased By his wife Helen Denton Haley and succeeded by his son Duane and wife Kathryn of Carmel, IN, his son John and wife Mimi of Charleston, SC, his daughter Elizabeth Howard and husband Scott of Harvard, MA, his daughter MaryKate Farrington and husband William of Sandwich, MA. Duane leaves 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Duane also leaves sibling Patty Anthony of Palos Verdes, CA. Duane was predeceased by his sister Polly Henderson of South Sutton, NH and his brother Ted Haley of Milford, CT. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18th beginning with visitation from 9:45-10:45 am in the chapel of Sacred Heart Church, 26 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. In the church. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Donations in his memory may be made to Wintonbury Hills Junior Golf Program, 206 Terry Plains Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com