Nicholas “Nick” DeHaas Jr., born July 5, 1929, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026.

Nick grew up in Linwood, Massachusetts. Upon his 1955 marriage to Mary (Lanagan) bought a home in Sutton, MA, later taking up residency in Enfield, Connecticut, where they continued raising their family. He eventually settled in Kensington, Connecticut, where he completed his career. In retirement, Nick enjoyed many years in the warmth and sunshine of Sebastian, Florida. In recent years, he returned to New Hampshire to be closer to family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in Europe (USAFE) in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Following his military service, Nick was employed by Whitin Machine Works, where he graduated from the apprentice tool designer program and went on to become Head of the Apprentice School. He remained with the company until 1967. He continued his career by becoming a Loss Control Consultant for The Hartford Insurance Group for 25 years and enjoyed teaching defensive driving as well.

Nick was a quiet and humble man who found joy in life's simple blessings. He loved sharing facts about nature, birds, fishing, weather and gardening. A man of faith, Nick loved God and found comfort and strength in his relationship with Him throughout his life. He served as a deacon, Gideon, Sunday School teacher, and many other volunteer positions within the Baptist church. His faith guided him through both the joys and challenges of life. He could always be found lending a hand to neighbors even in his later years in Florida. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in watching his family grow.

Time and again, Nick demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. There were many moments when those who loved him feared he had reached the end of his journey, yet he continued to push forward to the age of 96, never losing his sense of humor or sharp mind.

Nick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary DeHaas; his children, Gail Martin and husband, Steven, Gary DeHaas and wife Deby, and Dean DeHaas and partner Kathy; along with 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Nick will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, devotion to family, love of nature, and unwavering faith in God. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched, and in the memories shared by family and friends.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Nick is now at peace in the presence of the Lord he loved and trusted. As it says in Scripture, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

A private family celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at Phaneuf Funeral Home in Nashua, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Missions of Hope International Disabilities Program in Nairobi, Kenya, a program which his daughter, Gail and her husband have found great joy in serving throughout the years with Nick and Mary’s support. The link for donations is: https://give.mohiafrica.org/category/projects/special-needs-and-disability-program