Gene W. Haner, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 24, 1934, in Jewett, New York, Gene was the beloved son of the late Dr. Frank H. Haner and Jeanette S. Knight Haner. Raised in the close-knit community of Windham in Greene County, NY, Gene developed a strong work ethic at a very young age working alongside Roger Richard at the horseback riding academy for Sugar Maples Resort.

A proud graduate of Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, Gene distinguished himself as a standout athlete, earning recognition as a star player in both basketball and baseball. His love for athletics carried with him into his college years at Hartwick College, where he pursued a double major in Business Administration and Psychology.

After graduating, Gene answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Knox, he continued to shine on the baseball field, earning a spot as catcher on the Army baseball team. His talent took him across the country with the team playing the game he loved. This ultimately led to a tryout with the New York Giants, an achievement he held with quiet pride.  While at the training camp there, Gene was chosen to appear in the movie “The Big Leager” starring Edward G. Robinson and Vera Ellen.

Following his military service, Gene returned to his roots and built a life centered on hard work, community involvement, and dedication to family.

Gene was perhaps best known as the owner and operator of Gene Haner Trucking in Hensonville, NY, spending many years as a milk hauler for Tuscan Dairies in Union City, New Jersey.  His reliability, integrity, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of all who knew him.

Gene proudly served as a Greene County Legislator, gaining valuable experience in public service.  Gene went on to serve as President of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett School Board, where he was committed to supporting education and the future of his community. As an avid golfer, Gene sat on the Board of Directors of the Windham Country Club.  He was also an active member of the Rotary.  With his lifelong love of horses Gene and his wife Elizabeth owned several trotters and pacers which led them to move to Saratoga Springs, NY.

Above all, Gene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his humble nature, steady presence, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth A. Haner; his daughter, Deborah Haner (Vincente); his daughter-in-law, Susan Haner; his cherished granddaughter, Alexandra Jacklyn Haner; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his beloved son, Gregg W. Haner; his brothers, Frank, Thomas, and Charles Haner; and his sister, Genevieve Bruno.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

He will be memorialized and laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Ashland, NY on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene’s honor may be made to an animal charity of one’s choice, reflecting his love and compassion for animals or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

To share a memory or leave online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

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