Robert H. Hailes

Robert H. Hailes, age 75 years, of Ringoes, NJ, died on Friday, July 14, 2006 at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Kearny, NJ, March 15, 1931, son of the late Robert and Margaret Hailes who operated the Ringoes Diner for many years, he had resided in Ringoes, NJ sixty-one years.

A 1950 graduate of Flemington High School, Flemington, NJ, he played four years of Varsity Baseball and Basketball there. In the 1950's he played baseball for New Jersey and Pennsylvania teams in the Tri-County Baseball League and played basketball in the Industrial League, Easton, PA. Additionally, Mr. Hailes coached the Amwell Valley Little League for several years and the local Church basketball team.

He retired in 1992 as Head of Grounds Maintenance at Hunterdon Central High School, Flemington, NJ where he was employed twenty-five years. Mr. Hailes was also employed by the Hunterdon County Democrat for fifteen years.

An avid gardener known as "Tomato Bob", he sold his organic vegetables to many local businesses.

Surviving are his wife of forty-seven years, Emily Strupp Hailes; three daughters, Dawn Hailes of West Milford, NJ, Sherry Hailes Klein of Princeton Junction, NJ and Kristie Charlins of Whitehouse Station, NJ; a brother, James of Chester, NJ; a sister, Ruthe Sabat of Salt Lake City, UT; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Ringoes, NJ. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.