John Hafer Sr

March 14, 1932 - November 18, 2016

John Hafer, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 18, 2016. He passed away peacefully at the Marley House in Prescott. John was born in Reading, PA on March 14, 1932, the oldest child of Arthur and Alice Hafer. He graduated from Reading High School in 1950 and went on to attend Valley Forge Military Academy until 1952 at which time he joined the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean conflict and served his tour of duty in the North Atlantic from 1952-1956. After his military service he moved to CA. to attend Pasadena College after which he was employed by Von’s Grocery chain in transportation until his retirement when he moved to Prescott in December of 1992. During his years in CA he was involved in many areas of the music world from being first trumpeter for the “Trumpet Herald” that led the Rose Parade for 6 seasons. He sang in the Bob Shepard Choir and did lots of studio and church music. After moving to Prescott, he began playing in the “Swing Swift big Band” under Clare Wiley, took the band classes at the college, began volunteering for “People Who Care” and the VA hospital. He also loved playing with the Jazz Summit groups with Mike Vax, the “Sentimental Journey Big Band” with Kathy Shriver, and the “Gospel Big Band” with Jim Carpenter. Because of a long time association with the Air Force “Airmen of Note” jazz group he loved scheduling them and other musical groups from the other branches of the military to come to Prescott. He was made an honorary member of the group which was quite an honor for him. He is survived by his wife Carole, brother Tim Hafer of Reading, PA, 2 children John Hafer, Jr and Cindy Rakisits, 2 step children, Jeffrey Houser and Anne Loeffler, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Interment will be held Friday December 9, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Prescott National Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at the Willow Hills Baptist Church 1070 Mogollon Road Prescott, AZ on December 10 at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Willow Hills Baptist Church in memory of John Hafer.