Chester J. Haitsma

Chester J. Haitsma, 88

Chester J. Haitsma passed peacefully Thursday, June 18th 2026 at Tobey Hospital.  Husband of the late Yvonne Desrats, with whom he loved to sail the waters of Buzzard’s Bay. 

They cut a sharp profile slicing through the waves in their compact ‘Wind-Rider’ trimaran. They would aim for 100 trips a year together, and for decades they either made it or came close.  Sailing was their bliss, as it had been in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands where they taught for three years in the 70’s after having met and married in Baltimore MD teaching at a Friend's School. 

In retirement, he appreciated being able to give back as a volunteer at Baby Point/Turning Point (of Wareham) for over a decade.  He also actively supported the conservation efforts of the Wareham Land Trust.

Known for his love of nature he, well into his advancing years he would do pruning and landscape management for the greenspaces of Parkwood Beach.  The family would especially like to thank his many friends in Parkwood, where Chet spent his final three decades, for all their love and support.

He is survived by his son, Thomas, also of Wareham and his first wife, Irene Haitsma of Washington state.  As well as Don, Bill, Jan and Michael Delaney, and Deborah (Delaney) Iak, and her children, of Front Royale and Alexandria VA.

And his sister-in-law Jane Desrats of Warwick NY and her children Jon, Julie, Renee and Richie Desrats, as well as Jon’s children Lauren, Kristen, Meghan and Matthew; and Renee’s children Gus and Robin Eileen (Mangold). 

He was predeceased by Jane’s husband, Richard; and Renee’s twin-sister, his beloved niece, Robin Jane, whom he admired tremendously for her courage in the face of adversity.  He was a devout supporter of NAMI, DBSA and mental health causes.

He was also predeceased by his parents, Alice Delaney Haitsma, and Chester Sr. of Fair Lawn NJ, and his aunt and uncle, Gertrude Phelan and Joseph "Kempe" Delaney.  And his first cousin, Joseph "Joe" Delaney of NY.

He was born in Patterson NJ in 1937 and graduated from Villanova in 1960.  He later received a master’s in education from Fordham University.  He was a high school biology teacher, primarily at RCDS in Rockland County NY, and a former Franciscan friar in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Services were private.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a mental health charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

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