Richard J. Haftl

Richard J. “Dick” Haftl, 80, of Allentown and Naples, FL died Monday, October 7, 2019 in his home. He was the beloved husband of Carmela (Capobianco) Haftl with whom he celebrated 42 years of marriage on September 17, 2019. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Frank L. and Theresa (Garger) Haftl. After graduation from Allentown High School in 1957, Richard furthered his education at Kutztown University where he studied Business and Marketing. In 1959, he started a new meat purveying plant, House of Haftl, Inc., Allentown. A federally inspected operation, Richard sold specialty meat products to local restaurants, caterers and large chain stores such as Acme, Giant, Shoprite all in the North East and Winn-Dixie located in southern Florida. He successfully negotiated a contract with an Eastern European Country for 2 years for selected restaurants in that country. In 1992, Richard founded Haftl’s Food Brokerage and Distributor, Allentown which communicated with manufacturers to introduce new items to independent stores and chain supermarkets. He brokered accounts throughout the Eastern United States before retiring in 2005. Dedicated to his community, Richard supported the efforts and was actively involved in 4-H. He participated in and his business purchased may Grand Champions in the Eastern Pennsylvania 4-H Livestock Shows held at the Allentown Fairgrounds for many years. He also was active with Giftchecks, a fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. Richard served in the Army National Guard; was a member V.F.W. Post #9264, Macungie and was a former member of the Honorary First Defenders. He was a member of the Mercantile Club, Emmaus. He had served as Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary of the Lower Macungie Township Sewer Authority and as a machine inspector for the local Board of Elections. Richard was also a licensed realtor having worked with the Patt-White Company, Brookhaven Realty and the John Yurconic Agency. He negotiated and sold some of the most expensive residential acreage in the area. Survivors: Wife; brother, Franklin D. Haftl and his wife Nancy of Little Silver, NJ; nieces, Christina Blacketer, Cathleen Capobianco and Franchesca Gonzales all of CA. Memorial Service 12:00PM, Noon Friday in the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th & Hamilton Sts., Allentown. Call 11:00AM to 12:00PM, Noon Friday in the funeral home. Interment is private. Memorial Contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1525 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 180, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Condolences may be offered and further information found at www.jsburkholder.com.