Obituary of Paul W. and Jo-Ann P. Hait

Paul W. Hait, 63, and Jo-Ann P. Hait, 65, of Wappingers Falls, NY, passed away tragically on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at their home.

Paul was born on July 29, 1961, at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY to Malcolm and Ann Henion Hait. A 1979 graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, he earned two bachelor’s degrees and built a lifelong career at IBM, where he held various roles, primarily as a Semiconductor Engineer. Beyond his professional achievements, Paul was deeply committed to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Hughsonville Fire Department and was a dedicated board member of the Wappingers Rural Cemetery, following in the footsteps of his brother, father and grandfather.

Paul had a profound love for the history of Wappingers Falls, often walking the neighborhood and village with their beloved dog, Lady Madonna, greeting everyone along the way with a smile, a laugh, and a great story. As he fought some tough health problems over the last few years he never got down. He remained positive and took one day at a time. Yoga became a very important part of his life and helped him tremendously as he faced his health battles. He made many friends through his journey with yoga and on yoga retreats. He was currently working on getting his Yoga teacher certification.

Jo-Ann was born on May 15, 1959, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers, NY to Joan R. and Edward B. Fresenius. She grew up in Northern Westchester County with her three brothers and graduated from Somers High School in 1977 before attending Berkley Secretarial School. She began her career at Union Carbide in Armonk, NY, and later dedicated over 18 years to the Arlington School District’s Transportation Department. However, her most cherished role was being a mother. Her greatest pride and joy were her son, daughter, and granddaughter.  

Jo-Ann nurtured lifelong friendships, treasuring the bond she shared with her close girlfriends. Their regular getaway weekends were a source of joy, laughter, and sisterhood that she held dear to her heart.

On October 7, 1984, Paul and Jo-Ann married in Somers, NY and this past October, they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Jo-Ann and Paul had a special love that they shared throughout their lives. Their kindness and generosity was felt by many. They lived their lives helping others by spreading peace and love. Knowing they are together is our only comfort.

Family was always their top priority, and they embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether it was vacations to Long Beach Island, trips to Florida, or trips to Antigua later in life they loved traveling together. From late spring to early fall, Paul and Jo-Ann spent most of their time on the Hudson River. They loved the peacefulness of the river. “Picture yourself in a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies.”

Their love of boating and embrace of all those they came in contact with through their time on the water made them the cornerstones of whatever marina they called their summer home. Whether you were stopping by for sage or salty advice, mechanical help, a belly laugh, or an evening of great conversation, they were always there with open-arms. They were dearly loved and cherished by their boating community and it is where they made so many wonderful relationships. There was nothing better than sitting on the aft deck of their boat, listening to music and raising a glass to the sunset, or friendship, or whatever the toast of the evening was.

Music was a constant in their lives, with the Beatles holding a special place in their hearts. Paul, a talented musician, played the piano, harmonica, keyboard, ukulele, and guitar, and together, they believed in the power of music to heal the soul. “Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.”

Paul and Jo-Ann are survived by their beloved son, daughter, and granddaughter. Paul is also survived by his sisters, Gail Scotto (Louis) and Susan Hamilton, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Donald Hait, his brother-in-law Barry Hamilton, his Uncle Gerald Hait and his Aunt Sandra Hait. Jo-Ann is survived by her three brothers, Jeff (John), Tom (Suzanne), and Barry (Anna Marie) Fresenius, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, services and interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12 noon to 4:00 pm at Bowdoin Park Auditorium, 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Paul Hait’s name to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/paulhait or in Jo-Ann and Paul's name to the ASPCA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Straub Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.