The legacy of Robert A. Hauke Funeral Home Inc., a well-known and respected business in the Borough of Coplay for more than 60 years, came to an end Feb. 2 when funeral director Robert A. Hauke Jr. retired.

Two temporary outdoor signs note Brubaker Funeral Home Inc. as the new owners.

Hauke Jr., who opened the funeral home at 327 Chestnut St., and his son, Robert III, say they will continue to live in and serve the borough. They have been active in Coplay Recreation & Welfare Association for many years.

The transition of the business to John H. Brubaker and his son, J. Andrew, was seamless and cordial, Hauke Jr. said. The Brubakers have been operating a funeral home in Catasauqua for decades.

“We plan to continue serving the Coplay community with the same care, compassion and dignity that Bob Hauke has provided for over 60 years. We will honor all prearrangements as they have been planned by Bob Hauke,” John H. Brubaker said.

Janeen Heffner Brida, a Coplay native, will join the Brubaker business at the Coplay location as a full-time funeral director. She will assist in operations at both locations.

Robert A. Hauke Sr. came to the borough in 1953 to open the borough’s only funeral home.

“There were 20 trees on the property and a hedge fence. The house had been empty for awhile,” Hauke Jr. recalled. “The red brick house was in need of extensive work, inside and outside.”

The floors were bad, according to Hauke Jr., who said an addition, which his dad built, a fresh coat of brickote and a light-green trim gave the structure a look that today stands as a stellar part of the town.

“In some ways, I was involved in my dad’s funeral business from when I was young - washing cars, cutting grass and doing a lot of things,” he said.

Hauke Jr., 65, has been too busy to completely reflect on what his retirement will bring. He said he will continue being active as a director with Coplay Recreation & Welfare Association and as a member of the borough’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2019.

A graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, DeSales University with honors and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Hauke Jr. and his wife, Agnes, have two children, Kristin and Robert III.