Obituary of Herbert Haft

July 23, 2022

Herbert L. Haft passed away peacefully on July 23, 2022 in New York City at the age of 90. He was born in Brooklyn on May 24, 1932, and his family moved to Central Park West soon after. He has been a lifelong New Yorker.

Herb was known for his gregarious and outgoing personality and sense of humor. The staff at Martha Stewart Center for Living, where he was a patient, called him a “superstar” and his grandchildren nicknamed “The Bad Dad”, which he got a kick out of. He was a true extrovert who loved people, and “always had a kind word to say” to everyone he saw. Herb was extremely sentimental, being surrounded by pictures of family and friends on any open surface, as well as yearbooks from his years at Fieldston. He maintained strong friendships with his classmates at Fieldston until his passing. Herb greatly enjoyed visiting the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA over the decades, and spoke often about his fondness for Tanglewood, Camp Androscoggin, The Adirondacks, and deep sea fishing.

Herbert Haft was a lieutenant in the US Airforce, where he got his PR experience working on the Airforce newspaper.  Herbert was the founder and president of the Haft Group, Inc.  and enjoyed a career of more than 35 years as a leading specialist in investor and public relations. He represented a roster of both United States and Canadian public companies in industries ranging from natural resources, biotechnology-pharmaceutical, banking, real estate, to health care services and product introductions. Herb’s first career passion was working in the entertainment and media industry in public relations with GQ, Esquire, then Warner Communications, Inc, and was executive vice president of Artists Entertainment Complex (OTC).  He enjoyed promoting such films as The Next Man, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, and Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang.

Mr. Haft was a proud graduate of Syracuse University and member of Zeta Beta Tau. He has enjoyed receiving letters from recipients of the Haft Scholarship, started by his father, Jules Haft. There is a dorm at Syracuse University called Haft Hall.  Mr. Haft also attended Yale Graduate School, and was a dedicated member of The Friars Club, New York and previously, The City Athletic Club, New York.

Herbert is survived by his daughters Hillary Haft Bucs (Jeff) and Jennifer Nelkin (Joe), grandchildren Chloe, Marissa, Noah and Sydney, nephew Jim Haft (Kathy), grandniece Natalie, grandnephews Jay and Alex, first cousin Richard Haft, former wife Susan Worth, and many beloved second cousins. In addition, Herb leaves behind a loving community at Carnegie East House in NYC, and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held at Greenwich village Funeral Home (199 Bleecker Street) on August 2 from 12:00 to 1:00.

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