Grand Knight Robert M. “Bob” Haas
A Grand Knight is “called home” just before Christmas.
Fraternity “radiates” for the services for this beloved and successful leader!
On Monday, December 22nd, Bob Haas, Grand Knight of St. Thomas More Council #7826 in Sarasota
passed on. His long battle with cancer was now over. He had been Grand Knight for a year and a half,
but in that time, had set a “standard of excellence” for his Council that will be difficult to emulate.
Bob was passionate about many things as he excelled in all that he did. A retiree from IBM, Bob had
spent 44 years with that company. He was passionate about the Knights, both the Council and the
Fourth Degree. An active member of Assembly #3089’s Color Corps, he inspired others to join its ranks.
In addition, he initiated a “regalia fund” in which members could borrow money for the purchase of
equipment. At his home Council, in his first year, Bob lead them into achieving Triple Star Status. Also
passionate about the K of C involvement for the cause of the “Unborn”, Bob had his Council sponsor a
“Baby Bottle Drive” at his parish to raise funds for the ongoing support of an Ultra Sound machine that
had been previously obtained through a mult-District drive. Through Bob’s and the Council’s efforts,
more than $10,000 was collected from the members of St. Thomas More Parish for the drive.
Blessed with an unwavering sense of humor, Bob used his wit effectively while leading the Council.
When he joined the Knights, he was based in Connecticut. Transferring to Sarasota, Bob was asked what
he might like to do in the Knights. Bob’s response was “give me the job that no one else wants to do.”
His services were held on Wednesday, December 31st at St. Thomas More Church. Very well known in
the local ranks of the Knights of Columbus, his “Brothers” came out in an awesome display of honor and
fraternity. Thirty members of the Color Corps plus six other Sir Knights in tuxedo were in attendance
from four separate Assemblies: Msgr. Elslander #0167, Padre Luis de Soto #1860, his home Assembly:
Our Lady of Charity #3089 and San Damiano Assembly, #3192. Attending also were Grand Knights from
Our Lady of Victory Council #3358, St. Patrick’s #13307, Blessed Carlos Manuel #14391 and Our Lady of
Angels #13341, plus Deputy Grand Knights from his home Council St. Thomas More #7826 and from Our
Lady Queen of Martyrs #13639. District Deputies also attended. Christopher Treston, DD #48, Thomas
Anzelone, DD #49 and home District #50 DD, Charles Culkin. Eugene Dolecki, State Public Relations and
Ronald Kosey, Diocesan Membership Chairman, and Bob Marrah, Regional Director attended as well
representing the State Council.
Resolutions of Condolence were presented to the widow from both St. Thomas More Council #7826
and from Our Lady of Charity Assembly #7826. At the previous request of the deceased, a special
ceremony, “The Presentation of Sword” was conducted by Regional Director Bob Marrah as Bob’s
Fourth Degree Sword was passed on to his son, Robert M. Haas, Jr., a Third Degree Knight from Indiana.
Grand Knight Bob was a veteran of the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam. As such, he was laid to rest
at Sarasota National Cemetery immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial and committed with
an Honor Guard consisting of a Captain-Chaplain, a Lieutenant, a Sergeant First Class and a Specialist
from the U. S. Army. A reception was held at St. Thomas More following the committal.