Collegeville Father, 'Gentle Giant,' Dies In Accident At 47

Obituary courtesy Wilson Apple Funeral Home

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — Jason Drew Haftl, 47, of Collegeville, PA, died suddenly, in an auto accident, February 17, 2019. He was leaving his daughter’s volleyball tournament in Washington DC.

Born November 4, 1971, in Edison, NJ, Jason grew up in Hopewell Township, NJ, attended Hopewell Valley Regional Schools, and graduated from Elon College in 1994. At the time of his death he was employed by First Priority Group in Manchester, NJ, as a Regional Sales Manager.

Jason leaves behind many loved ones. He kept and maintained relationships with people from all aspects of his life. These relationships were his life, he was not into collecting possessions, he was into making people smile. Above all else, Jason lived and breathed for his daughter, the apple of his eye, Meghan Alexandra Haftl. She meant the world to him, always glowing in her presence.

Jason is survived by his beloved parents, Drew and Karen Haftl of Pennington, NJ, and sister, Stephanie Garnich, her husband Pete, and their children, Jason’s niece and nephew, Grace and Henry of Titusville, NJ. He also leaves behind his loving girlfriend, Dolores Jimenez and her children, Halle and Gabriel, as well as dear friend and mother to his daughter Meghan, Sarah Lawrence Snyder of Lansdale, PA; Also, his loving family, Aunt Melody Kerr (and Ray), of Lambertville, NJ; Aunt Judy Noyalas of Parkesburg, PA; Aunt Debbie Trimmer (and Don), of Schnecksville, PA; and cousin, Christy Noyalas of Parkesburg, PA. He also leaves behind his favorite furry friend, his cat Luna, and countless friends and neighbors that meant so much to him.

Jason, who has become known as the ‘Gentle Giant’ on social media since his death, was larger than life, figuratively and literally. Jason was an avid fitness enthusiast, who loved all things sports related. He believed strongly in a healthy lifestyle, inspiring others to make the most out of life, and regularly visited the gym (developing a Hercules-like physique). His love for basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting was lifelong, as was his love for running and cycling. It was rare to see Jason sitting still except for possibly to catch a Sixers or Eagles game. He loved the people in his life deeply and was a selfless individual who lived to make others happy. He would drop everything to help a friend, neighbor, and even a stranger, in need. Jason loved developing relationships and enjoying time with friends.

Jason was one of the good guys. He was called home early this past Sunday for reasons we may never know. He will be deeply missed, beyond words. To honor Jason’s legacy, we ask that loved ones take that extra minute to help someone in need, or to put a smile on someone’s face when you don’t already see one.

A celebration of life will take place at Central Church in Ewing, NJ, at 2015 Pennington Road, on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Receiving hours will be 11am-1pm, followed by a 1pm service and reception immediately following including lunch and sharing stories of Jason. Jason’s family would love to see anyone who knew and loved Jason. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation, to his daughter, Meghan; fund details below.

Arrangements under the direction of the Wilson Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Rd., Pennington, NJ 08534. Condolences may be made to www.WilsonApple.com.

Meghan Haftl Education Fund: https://www.ugift529.com/ Gift Code: Q1F-J76