Robert E. Haines, Ph. D.

PRINCETON - Robert Edward Haines, 87, of Princeton, Massachusetts, died Friday morning, September 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Worcester, MA on June 5, 1934 to Paul and Alice (Pearson) Haines.

Robert attended Classical High in Worcester and graduated from Rutland High School. He was President of the Student Council as well as Class President. He was accepted to Syracuse University on academic scholarship. He made the Dean’s List at Syracuse and tutored other students in psychology and philosophy. Robert was a member of Acacia fraternity as well as Psi Chi (the international honor society in Psychology). He received a Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse and later earned a Ph. D from Clayton University under the auspices of Columbia University and Brooklyn College.

Robert initially taught science and math at the high school level and then changed professions to Applied Psychology. He worked in the Massachusetts State Hospital system as a psychologist. He later was the Program Director for the Rehabilitation Program at Rutland Heights Hospital. Dr. Haines lectured in Applied Hypnotherapy at several colleges and hospital pain clinics, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Psychiatric Grand Rounds at UMassMed. He was twice listed in the Who’s Who in Psychology and Psych Therapy. He was also employed as a Clinical Psychologist at Department of Mental Health and Public Health facilities.

Dr. Haines practiced privately in Worcester for over twenty years. His clients came from far and wide. Dr. Haines focused on clinical hypnotherapy therapy in his practice. He never stopped learning and attended conferences as far as Phoenix and Chicago. He was proud of his work and his academics, and always stayed up to date in his field.

Robert served in the Military as a young man, receiving two meritorious promotions allowing entry as an NCO, with applied MOS at a duty level of E8 as a medic specializing in psychiatric and abnormal diagnosis. He received a Good Conduct medal.

Robert enjoyed being outdoors and was a former president of the Paxton Riding Club. He moved to Princeton in 1964 with his beloved wife Edna (Estey) Haines, two dogs, and his American Saddlebred horse, Danny. Edna taught piano lessons at her studio in Holden while Robert taught school. Five children rounded out the family, Grace Anne, Sarah Jane, Faith Etta, Robert Edward Jr. and Steven Estey Haines. Robert loved his family and believed that country living was the best way to grow up. Cows, horses, dogs, cats were part of the lifestyle, as was gardening and growing flowers. Robert spent many hours rehabilitating the antique home he and Edna had purchased. The children participated at all levels, learning many skills from their parents. In recent years, Robert, Edna and his family have been restoring the Haines Homestead, circa 1767, in Saco, ME.

Robert leaves his wife Edna (Estey) Haines of 58 years. He also leaves five children and their spouses, Grace and Jack Miller of Harvard, MA, Sarah and Amin Harbeh of Worcester, MA, Faith and Alex Kolb of Franklin, MA, Robert and Holly Haines of Rutland, MA, and Steven and Pamela Haines of Hubbardston, MA. Robert had 12 grandchildren, of whom he was very proud and loved very much, Laith Harbeh, Benjamin, Timothy and Lillian Kolb, Evan and Bryce Haines, Hayley and Hannah Haines, Marjorie, Rebecca and Robin Miller.

He was predeceased by his sister, Lois (Haines) Brown of Lenox, MA and brother Paul M. Haines of Rutland, MA, as well as a grandson, Charles Miller of Wellesley, MA.

Calling hours will be held at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden on Tuesday, September 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery in Princeton, MA. All are welcome.