Edward Philip DeHaas

On Dec. 15, 1951, he married Ann Elizabeth (Orr) DeHaas, with whom he shared nearly 73 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife, Ann; five children: Elizabeth Ann O’Donnell (Michael O’Donnell) of Prosperity, Pa.; Mary Ellen DeHaas of Altoona; Dr. Sarah Jane DeHaas (Michael Straw) of State College; Philip Andrew DeHaas (Tracey Deak) of State College; and Peter Christian DeHaas (Katherine Sofis) of San Francisco, Calif. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: William DeHaas, John DeHaas, Marylee Taylor and Cora Lou Conte.

Phil was a dedicated member of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Altoona for more than 50 years, where he served as a lay leader, trustee, finance committee member and as a member of the Methodist Men.

Phil graduated from Altoona High School in 1949 and entered the Marine Corps in 1951. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before serving in the First Marine Division as a Staff Sergeant for two years during the Korean War.

Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Phil began his career in commercial and residential construction, working in central Pennsylvania, State College, Connecticut and New York. He started at J.C. Orr and Son in Altoona, and later served as a construction manager and project superintendent for several notable projects. Among these were the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel at Penn State Altoona, Mercy Hospital, Coudersport Hospital, DuBois High School and the Brumbaugh Science Center at Juniata College. He also worked on various buildings at Lock Haven, Clarion and Bloomsburg universities, and Clark Hall at Kiski Preparatory School. Smaller projects in downtown Altoona included Wolf Furniture, Bon-Ton, Gables, Mid-State Bank and Sylvania.

Major projects on the Penn State University Park campus that Phil contributed to include the Milton S. Eisenhower Auditorium, McCoy Natatorium, Eric Walker Classroom Building, Philip and Barbara Greenburg Sports Complex, Recreation Hall renovations, Applied Research Laboratory, Penn State Dairy Barns, the Intramural Building and the original Creamery.

In 1981, at the age of 50, Phil and his family relocated to Stratford, Conn., where he worked as a superintendent for both Tomlinson-Hawley-

Patterson General Contractors and Atlas Construction. Among his projects there were the South Norwalk Maritime Center, the DeKalb Research Center in Mystic, Conn., and the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. He was also an active member of Nichols United Methodist Church in Trumbull, Conn.

In 1991, Phil and Ann returned to State College, where he partnered with his son, Philip, in the development of DeHaas Builders. He continued his work in construction for many years until his retirement. He was also a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College.

Phil had a remarkable ability to build or fix just about anything, often without blueprints or detailed instructions. Whether repairing old equipment or creating something from scratch, he relied on his instincts and years of hands-on experience. He would dive into a project with little more than a rough idea in his mind, yet the end result was always solid, functional, and often better than anyone could have imagined. His quick wit, infectious laugh and talent for telling great stories only added to his charm. No matter the challenge, Phil could fix it, build it, or reimagine it — always while entertaining those around him with a well-timed joke or a humorous anecdote. His stories were as legendary as his skills — often funny, sometimes profound and always captivating.

Phil’s passing has left a deep void, but his legacy endures in the countless lives he touched. A firm believer in human potential, he inspired others with his optimism, quick smile and encouraging words. He often reminded those around him, “Pace yourself,” “It’s about the people,” and “Improvise and adjust.” These principles shaped both his professional success and his personal relationships, especially with his family, whom he loved with unwavering devotion. His ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and humor left an indelible mark on everyone he met. As a community leader, father and husband, Phil’s influence will resonate for generations, a testament to the impact one person can have when they lead with heart, vision and integrity.

Throughout his life, Phil was involved in many organizations, including the Blair County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Hiram Lodge, Jaffa Shrine, Scottish Rite, Freemason 32nd degree and the Nittany Leathernecks.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Wynwood House – Green Hills and 365 Hospice for the comfort and care they provided to Phil during his final days.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona; and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.

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