John "Hab's" Haberek - RI

I can't say enough about Hab's as a builder, and as a person. His work is impeccable. He has a huge heart and a great sense of wit.

John has helped me raise money for The Kevin Snyder Memorial fund to fight childhood cancers the past few years. Kevin's family and I greatly appreciate it John!

While most famous for his needlfish, Hab's builds excellent metal lip swimmers and poppers. His new for winter 2006 1.5 ounce Herring Swimmer is pictured above and below. John plans on making three sizes of the new mullet swimmer in 2007.

9/23/2007

I am writting this in complete shock and sadness. John passed away last night (9/23/2007) in his sleep from a massive heart attack.

I am glad I got to meet John and talk fishing with him at the RISAA shows the past few years. God bless you Hab's. Until we meet again.....

 

John Michael Haberek Sr.

John Michael Haberek, Sr., 53, of Red Wing Trail, Smithfield, Rhode Island, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 23, 2007 after having been stricken at his residence and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital – Fatima Unit in North Providence where he was pronounced. He was the husband of Jessica (Ashworth) Haberek to whom he was married on September 14, 1974.

Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on March 8, 1954, he was a son of Amelia (Piedzewick) Haberek of Attleboro and the late Edward J. Haberek, Sr. He was raised and educated in Attleboro and resided in Attleboro and North Attleboro prior to moving to Smithfield, Rhode Island 21 years ago.

Mr. Haberek was the founder, owner and operator of Habs Custom Plugs in Smithfield, Rhode Island for more than the past 10 years. He was able to combine his love for the sport of fishing with a career and founded his company that created custom wooden fishing lures.

Previously, Mr. Haberek was a self employed lobsterman and owned a concrete company. Prior to becoming self employed, he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the excavating industry and for Rosenfeld Concrete in Milford, Massachusetts.

A true outdoorsman, he was a member and committeeman of the Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club in Harrisville and was a member of the Wrentham Sportsman’s Club.

He had a lifelong love for Labrador Retrievers and was active with his beloved canines in field trials.

In addition to his wife of 33 years and his mother, he leaves a son: John M. Haberek, Jr. of Smithfield, Rhode Island; four siblings: Jo-Ann M. Wall of Middletown, Rhode Island; Michael A. Haberek of Norton; Gregory D. Haberek of Swansea and Michelle S. Carlson of Attleboro and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward J. “Butchie” Haberek, Jr.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, ¾ mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the Funeral Service on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 10:00 AM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, ¾ mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.

Burial will follow in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro.

Children’s room available during visitation and the funeral service.

Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshment at a location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers and if desired, memorial donations in Mr. Haberek’s name and honor may be made to the charity of choice.

To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book located on the internet at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.