Lawrence John Haase Sr.

Lawrence John Haase Sr. of Dunkirk, NY passed away peacefully in Daytona Beach FL on April 11, 2022 with his family at his side.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his children Michelle Bull, Lawrence Haase Jr. (Carol Murphy), Mark Haase (Beverly Sutton), Molly Pagon (Edwin Pagon). Loving wife Patricia Raths Haase. His sisters Joanna Banach, and Mary Woelfle, and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded by his parents Richard Haase Sr., Mary Rossiter Haase, son Randy Haase, brothers, Richard Haase Jr., Gerald Haase, and grandson Christopher Haase.

Lawrence is also survived by successive generations of decedents including grandchildren Shawn Bull (Melinda), Lawrence Haase III, John Haase (Laura), Jenavive Pagon (Kieth Sheldon), Brian Haase, Matthew Pagon, Mark Haase II, and Mia Haase, and great grandchildren Sheridan Bull, Rhea Bull, Ezekiel Bull, Blake Haase, Sylas Haase, Haley Haase, Ezra Sheldon, Aven Sheldon, Wila Sheldon, Mila Sheldon.

Lawrence celebrated 62 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart Patricia Raths Haase in October 2021. He was a de-voted husband maintaining his marriage vows, honor thy wife, and wearing a wedding band signifying their marriage. Larry and Pat could be found throughout the Dunkirk community at family and social events much of the time. They enjoyed spending the spring months in Daytona Beach, FL. The snowbird community of Daytona Beach accepted them as one of their own offering sunshine and good times. Over the years they kept relationships with their sun worshiping buddies from all over the east coast.

Lawrence was a long time proprietor at Weiss Hardware in Dunkirk, NY. Lawrence started in the hardware business at the age of 12 doing deliveries for the founders of The Weiss Hardware Company Irving and Estelle Weiss. Lawrence and his brother purchased the business in 1957 but never changed the name. Lawrence and Dick celebrated 50 years of business together in 2007. Lawrence maintained involvement in the business until it closed in 2020. Lawrence received the “Gold Hammer Award” from Estwing Hammer Corporation in recognition for his dedicated service to the hardware industry. Estwing is a manufacturer of quality hammers that are made in the USA.

Lawrence operated a seasonal hot dog stand with long time friend and business partner James Jagoda. The Covered Wagon operated from 1957 to 1987 at various locations on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. The Covered Wagon was remembered for lunch, dinner, and late night snacks. To this day people of Dunkirk remember good times and great food at the Covered Wagon.

Many will also remember Lawrence as a school bus driver for Cardinal Mindszenty Catholic High School in Dunkirk, NY.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Lawrence was a life member of the B.P.O Elks Lodge #922 in Dunkirk, NY. Sponsored into the fraternal organization by his father in 1960 Lawrence progressed to the Lodge Exalted Ruler in 1966, and remained on the Lodge House Committee, and Trustees for many years as a member. Lawrence was nominated for state level positions with the New York State Elks Association West District, He obtained visibility at the state level and was nominated to be the New York State Elks Association State President in 1981. This was a first in the then 77 years of the Lodge in Dunkirk. Lawrence has served the Elks in various Lodge level, West District, New York State Level, and national level positions.

Lawrence graduated from Cardinal Mindszenty Catholic High School in Dunkirk, NY in 1955 (the second graduating class from the school). He attended Brockport University for 3 semesters until he was offered the opportunity to buy Weiss Hardware. With the support of his family and brother he made a decision to come back to Dunkirk and purchase Weiss Hardware.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning, April 22, at 10:15 from the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 o’clock in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922 will conduct services Wednesday evening in the funeral home at 7 o’clock.