Professor Emeritus Robert S. Haas

Robert S. Haas, Professor Emeritus, U.R.I. 88, of Kingston, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013. He was the beloved husband of Thelma (Ballirano) Haas for 62 years. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, and was a son of the late Frank S. and Hazel (Munn) Haas. He was the brother of the late Donald and James Haas. He is also survived by four children Maria Haas, Paul and Michael Haas, of Wakefield, and Jonathan (Susan) Haas of California, MD; and two grandchildren Brian and Rachel Haas. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a dedicated teacher. Bob was a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island for 40 years, retiring in 1988. During his teaching career, he received many honors and awards, including: U.R.I. Distinguished Teaching Award (1970), he was cited in Outstanding Educators of America in 1971 and 1974, elected first Ombudsman 1972-1974, recipient of Western Electric Fund Award by the American Society for Engineering education excellence in the instruction of engineering students (1974-1975); received the College of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award in 1987, received the College of Engineering Award for achievement for 40 years of service in 1987. A million dollar anonymous gift from a former student was given to U.R.I. in honor of Bob Haas, to fund an endowed professorship. Bob was a member of several honor societies including: Tau Beta Pi (Engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering), Phi Beta Kappa (Scholastic), and the Society of Sigma Xi (Research). In addition, he served on many committees and as a consultant for various companies in RI and Connecticut. The funeral will be 8:45 a.m. Friday December 20th from the Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. Burial with military honors will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are Thursday December 19th, 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Assumption Parish Food Pantry, 791 Potters Avenue, Providence, RI 02907.