Obituary
March 26
Thomas Delaney Haskell was the youngest of three children, born December 31, 1942 in Wadesboro, NC, to the late Alexander Haskell and Bessie Maude Gatewood-Haskell. Upon graduating from Anson County Training School, he entered the US Air Force receiving an Honorable discharge in 1965, during the Vietnam Era. He relocated and settled in New York City to embark on his life's journey. His coming to NYC resulted in continued blessings and favor, when he met (1965) and married (1967) at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, his beloved wife of 56+ years, Brenda Lorraine Campbell. From that holy union God blessed and prospered them with three loving children: Brian (Ashlei), Adrienne, and Ayanna.
In NY he continued his Christian journey as a member of Allen A.M.E.Church (GAC), Queens, NY. He actively participated in the Men’s Ministries; served as a Scoutmaster for their Boy Scout troop; and was afforded the incredible opportunity to deliver a message one Father’s Day! After relocating to Painted Post, NY; he served as a faithful member of the Deacon Board at Friendship Baptist Church, Corning, NY. In NC his walk with God was enhanced through worship and fellowship at New Christian Chapel, Rose Hill and Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, Charlotte. He loved the Lord and served Him with a life lived by sharing with others those God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. He was “BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING”!.
For 25 years Thomas maintained an illustrious career with the New York State Department of Correctional Services. His exemplary service included holding several high ranking positions from Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Deputy Superintendent and culminating in retirement as Facility Superintendent of the Monterey Shock Incarceration Facility, Upstate NY in 1992. He then relocated and continued in law enforcement as Assistant Superintendent for Programs II, Pender Correctional Facility, Burgaw, NC. Finally, after successfully planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to the building of and the transitioning into two new complex and comprehensive correctional facilities; one is the 1004 bed Intake/Detention complex; the other a 160 bed Work Release Facility; he retired as Major-Transitional Manager from the Mecklenburg County Office of the Sheriff's Department, Charlotte, NC in 1997. During his ascension through the ranks, he earned several promotions, participated in various trainings, and received a number of awards and commendations including: Performance Citation Award, Outstanding Performance Commendation, Exemplary Annual Attendance Award (for five consecutive years), and Distinguished Service Award. He always served his commitments with dignity, respect, and excellence.
Upon retirement Thomas continued exemplifying and utilizing leadership capabilities in the community by volunteering with the American Red Cross as a Life, Safety and Asset Protection Manager; serving on the Advisory Board for the NC State Employee Credit Union; holding at different times, the positions of President and Sergeant at Arms for the JR Faison (Wadesboro, NC) Reunion Committee. He also intentionally and consistently committed to maintaining his good physical health through the senior fitness programs at McCrorey YMCA and the Eastway Recreational Center. He loved supporting community by helping others in need, when asked. He continued his entrepreneurial endeavors as owner and manager of a private construction/repair business; specializing in custom carpentry and remodeling services! The use of his God-Given gifts, talents, and abilities was his unique way of saying, “Thank you Lord for Blessing me”!. We joke he went from Major to Mayor of Melanie Thompson Dr.! His community embraced him dearly.
Affectionately known by some as Delaney, he also amassed, practiced, shared, and enjoyed a plethora of skills equivalent to the caliber of a Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil engineer! He loved plumbing (his father’s trade), woodworking, carpentry (both building and repairing), fishing, hunting, and just "pit-a-ling" in the garage. He enjoyed listening to jazz, traveling with family, being a “grill master extraordinaire” and always just having a fun-loving good time! He was a sage, always abreast of current events/affairs, knowledgeable on many subjects and full of wisdom - he was often sought for advice from people of ALL ages and ALL walks of life.
His “Abundant” life's journey on earth continued on February 20, 2024 as he transitioned into his Eternal life with the Lord. Thomas Delaney Haskell was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Haskell, mother, Bessie Maude Gatewood-Haskell, brother Lewis Haskell, and sister Billye Jean Holder. He is dearly loved and will be profoundly missed by his wife; children; six grandchildren Malik, Ethan, Aiden, Brittany, Brooklyn, Brandon, and Allyson; four great grandchildren Lenox, Andrew, Alyson, and Brandon Michael; his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, near and far.
THOMAS DELANEY HASKELL REMAINED TRUE TO GOD, HIMSELF, AND OTHERS; LEAVING THE LEGACY OF THE BEST, BLESSED LIFE AND A LIFETIME OF SHARING HIS LOVE AS WELL AS BEING LOVED!
In NY he continued his Christian journey as a member of Allen A.M.E.Church (GAC), Queens, NY. He actively participated in the Men’s Ministries; served as a Scoutmaster for their Boy Scout troop; and was afforded the incredible opportunity to deliver a message one Father’s Day! After relocating to Painted Post, NY; he served as a faithful member of the Deacon Board at Friendship Baptist Church, Corning, NY. In NC his walk with God was enhanced through worship and fellowship at New Christian Chapel, Rose Hill and Reeder Memorial Baptist Church, Charlotte. He loved the Lord and served Him with a life lived by sharing with others those God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. He was “BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING”!.
For 25 years Thomas maintained an illustrious career with the New York State Department of Correctional Services. His exemplary service included holding several high ranking positions from Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Deputy Superintendent and culminating in retirement as Facility Superintendent of the Monterey Shock Incarceration Facility, Upstate NY in 1992. He then relocated and continued in law enforcement as Assistant Superintendent for Programs II, Pender Correctional Facility, Burgaw, NC. Finally, after successfully planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to the building of and the transitioning into two new complex and comprehensive correctional facilities; one is the 1004 bed Intake/Detention complex; the other a 160 bed Work Release Facility; he retired as Major-Transitional Manager from the Mecklenburg County Office of the Sheriff's Department, Charlotte, NC in 1997. During his ascension through the ranks, he earned several promotions, participated in various trainings, and received a number of awards and commendations including: Performance Citation Award, Outstanding Performance Commendation, Exemplary Annual Attendance Award (for five consecutive years), and Distinguished Service Award. He always served his commitments with dignity, respect, and excellence.
Upon retirement Thomas continued exemplifying and utilizing leadership capabilities in the community by volunteering with the American Red Cross as a Life, Safety and Asset Protection Manager; serving on the Advisory Board for the NC State Employee Credit Union; holding at different times, the positions of President and Sergeant at Arms for the JR Faison (Wadesboro, NC) Reunion Committee. He also intentionally and consistently committed to maintaining his good physical health through the senior fitness programs at McCrorey YMCA and the Eastway Recreational Center. He loved supporting community by helping others in need, when asked. He continued his entrepreneurial endeavors as owner and manager of a private construction/repair business; specializing in custom carpentry and remodeling services! The use of his God-Given gifts, talents, and abilities was his unique way of saying, “Thank you Lord for Blessing me”!. We joke he went from Major to Mayor of Melanie Thompson Dr.! His community embraced him dearly.
Affectionately known by some as Delaney, he also amassed, practiced, shared, and enjoyed a plethora of skills equivalent to the caliber of a Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil engineer! He loved plumbing (his father’s trade), woodworking, carpentry (both building and repairing), fishing, hunting, and just "pit-a-ling" in the garage. He enjoyed listening to jazz, traveling with family, being a “grill master extraordinaire” and always just having a fun-loving good time! He was a sage, always abreast of current events/affairs, knowledgeable on many subjects and full of wisdom - he was often sought for advice from people of ALL ages and ALL walks of life.
His “Abundant” life's journey on earth continued on February 20, 2024 as he transitioned into his Eternal life with the Lord. Thomas Delaney Haskell was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Haskell, mother, Bessie Maude Gatewood-Haskell, brother Lewis Haskell, and sister Billye Jean Holder. He is dearly loved and will be profoundly missed by his wife; children; six grandchildren Malik, Ethan, Aiden, Brittany, Brooklyn, Brandon, and Allyson; four great grandchildren Lenox, Andrew, Alyson, and Brandon Michael; his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, near and far.
THOMAS DELANEY HASKELL REMAINED TRUE TO GOD, HIMSELF, AND OTHERS; LEAVING THE LEGACY OF THE BEST, BLESSED LIFE AND A LIFETIME OF SHARING HIS LOVE AS WELL AS BEING LOVED!