Herbert W. Hait

East Meredith, NY - Herbert W. Hait, 95, formerly of Roses Brook Road, Hobart, NY, went home to be with the Lord on June 3, 2026.

Born on May 19, 1931, on the fifth-generation family farm, Herb spent his life rooted in the land he loved. He operated the family’s Relay Farm and was the youngest of eight children born to John E. and Florence Atwater Hait. On January 20, 1952, he married Mary Louise Reed at the Hobart Methodist Church, where they were active members for more than 50 years. Since 2010, he had been a devoted member of the Delhi Community Church. Herb and Mary celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this past January.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers and sister; his son, Allan Douglas Hait; and his grandson, Jeffrey Joseph Moody.

Herb is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and their four daughters: Patricia D. (Bill) Moody, Laurel L. (Russ) Bedford, Allison G. (Will) Schonfeld, and Christine A. Cole. He is also survived by eight grandchildren - Meghan (Joe) Potter, Marianne (Brad) Robinson, Elizabeth (Joe) Cosimo, Caleb (Brooke) Schonfeld, Lucas Schonfeld, Dylan (Kelsey) Cole, Burkley (Jesse) Boest, and Katlin Bedford - and eleven great-grandchildren: Marc and Jonathan Moody (with their mother, Judy Moody), Abby, Lucy, and Maggie Robinson, Kyllian and Lavina Cosimo, Aoife, Robert, and Frances Schonfeld, and Ellie Mae Boest.

He is lovingly remembered by his family, as well as by special friends Janice Frazee, three sisters-in-law, Kitty Rapant, Margie Hait, Frances Reed and Steve Wilson, who was like family to him. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and many others who affectionately knew him as “Uncle Herb.”

Herb dedicated 18 years as a 4-H leader for the South Kortright Calf Club. He was deeply involved in dairy farming organizations, serving as president of the Delaware County Holstein Club, vice president of the New York State Holstein Association, and as a delegate to both the National and State Holstein conventions. Herb and Mary were honored as New York State Holstein Master Breeders, recognized especially for breeding the Vanguard Bull and several notable Relay-prefixed dairy cows. He served for many years on the Eastern AI sire committee and spent 24 years as an assessor for the Town of Stamford. In 1984, Herb and Mary received the New York State Century Farm Award.

In retirement, Herb supported Mary in the purchase and operation of the Hidden Inn Restaurant in South Kortright, where he served as maître d’, go-fer, and meat carver for the Friday night chuck-wagon buffet. After eight years in the restaurant business, they built their retirement home by “the pond,” a place filled with cherished memories for family and friends. In his later years, Herb enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and watching the birds.

A memorial service will be held at the Delhi Community Church, Delhi, NY, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Derek Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery in Hobart, NY.

Contributions in Herb’s memory may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, 1833 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001; the Mission Fund of the Delhi Community Church, 46378 State Hwy. 10, Delhi, NY 13753; or to a charity of one’s choice. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Helios Care and the private caregivers who supported Herb and his family in recent months.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Herb’s family.