June 9, 1936 – February 23, 2026
SERVICE DETAILS
Star of David Chapel Date: February 25, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM
CEMETERY DETAILS
New Montefiore Cemetery: 1180 Wellwood Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704
SERVICE RECORDING
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RESOURCES
OBITUARY
Philip Sidney Haft (1936–2026)
Philip Sidney Haft, 89, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, following a brief stay in hospice. A brilliant engineer, a devoted family man, and a kind soul, Phil followed the love of his life, Rose, just ten weeks after her passing—reunited after a remarkable 69-year marriage.
A Legacy of Intellect and Innovation
Born in Brooklyn on June 9, 1936, to Max and Ethel Haft, Phil was a man of immense intellect. He earned his degrees in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute and Adelphi University, leading to a distinguished career at ITT, Bendix, and Raytheon. Most notably, in the 1980s, Phil was instrumental in the early design and development of the GPS satellite system, a technology the world now relies on every day.
“Smiling Phil” and a Life of Adventure
Known affectionately as “Smiling Phil,” he moved through the world with a gentle spirit and a quick smile. He was an avid tennis player for over 40 years and a lifelong, die-hard fan of the NY Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. In 1971, Phil’s sense of adventure led him to buy an Apache pop-up trailer and take his family on an epic cross-country odyssey, a journey that remains a cornerstone of family lore, including his “Moses” nickname Rose came up with during the adventure. After raising their three sons during 40 years in Fair Lawn, NJ, he and Rose retired to Delray Beach, FL, in 2016.
An Unbreakable Bond
Phil was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015 and moved into a memory care facility in 2021. In an extraordinary act of devotion, Rose spent three years living in memory care alongside him, ensuring he was well-loved and meticulously cared for. She moved into her own room in an Assisted Living facility in 2024 until her own passing ten weeks ago. Theirs was a love that transcended health and time.
Family and Remembrance
Phil is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Ellen), Mitchell (Eileen), and Steven (Vikki); six cherished grandchildren, Teigan, Kerin (Vincent), Sander, Conor, Cole, and Benjamin; and his great-grandson, Callan. His warmth, intellect, and steady presence will be forever cherished by all who knew him.
In Memoriam
In honor of Phil and Rose’s lifelong devotion to one another and in hope for a future without memory loss, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Your contributions will help support research and care for families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia.