Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Robert Arthur Haberlein, age 69, a 30-year resident of Annapolis, MD died on 18 September peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Rob was born in El Dorado Kansas to Robert Waitt Haberlein and Suzanne Hartnett Haberlein.  

Rob will be remembered for his vast knowledge of many subjects accumulated from a life of continuous learning. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University where he would go on to be Assistant to the Dean. He then earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. He devoted his life in application of those skills as a naval architect in Hawaii, Cobalt boat plant manager, and RV plant manager in Kansas. Eventually he found his professional calling as a leading composites industry emissions expert.

He was the owner of Engineering Environmental. He served the composites industry for over 30 years and was inducted to the American Composites Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame in 2017. Along the way he built three homes with his bare hands and taught many a young man how to use a hammer to frame a house. However, Rob’s true passion was gardening. He would spend most of his free time in his garden where any visitors would promptly either be given a tour or requested to grab a shovel.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jan Haberlein, and 5 children: Tricia (and Rob) Haberlein of Edgewater, MD, Brian (and Kelly) McNew of Davidsonville, MD, Paul (and Andrea) Haberlein of San Francisco, CA, Christy (and Ryan) Baxter of Port St Lucie, FL, Rob (and Becky) Haberlein of San Diego, CA and his sister Mary (and Roger) Dillon of Asheville, NC. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and a large extended family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Rob on Oct 2nd at the Quiet Waters Park Blue Heron Center. Visitation will take place from 3 to 5pm with words to Celebrate his Life from 5 to 5:30pm. In honor of Rob’s love of gardening, please join his family in wearing garden colors. The family requests that memorial donations and donations in lieu of flowers be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note the name of the loved one on the memo line) or online at https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/ 



Robert Arthur Haberlein

Robert Arthur Haberlein

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