Growing up in North Blenheim, N.Y., Mr. Haverly received his early education in a one-room schoolhouse. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering on a scholarship from Syracuse University and a master's degree in engineering from Purdue University.
From 1954 to 1956 he served in the Army and tested prototype military vehicles in Death Valley and Alaska.
After his discharge, he worked for GE in Schenectady and Utica, N.Y., where he met his future wife, Sandra-Lou Wood. Ten months after they married in 1959, he was transferred by GE to Philadelphia. He later worked at GE's facility in Valley Forge.
For many years, Mr. Haverly was a volunteer with Boy Scout troops in Glen Mills and then in Wayne. He was an active member of the Gulph Mills Civic Association and often attended Upper Merion Planning Commission meetings to advocate for land conservation and oppose high-density housing in the township.
Mr. Haverly repaired tape players for the blind with members of the Elfun Society, a community-service group of GE retirees.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling abroad. When their children were young, they drove cross-country on family vacations, visiting national parks.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Haverly is survived by sons Eric, Neil, and Kent; a daughter, Cheryl Tucker; and eight grandchildren.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at the Stuard Funeral Home, 104 Cricket Ave., Ardmore. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087. Donations may be made to the church, where Mr. Haverly was an elder, deacon, and longtime Sunday school teacher.
Contact staff writer Sally A. Downey at 215-854-2913 or sdowney@phillynews.com.
