Joseph Ernest “Ernie” Haviland of Ann’s Choice in Warminster died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 20, 2014. He was 96 years old.

He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret “Peg” Wunder Haviland. They eloped to Manassas, Virginia in 1940 and were married for over 70 years.

Ernie was born to Joseph Ernest Haviland and Sarah Patterson in 1917. He had three siblings: Norman, Ann, and Edith.

Ernie served as an infantryman in the European theater during World War II where he was seriously wounded and carried shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life.

Peg and Ernie were proud original homeowners of a Levittown Jubilee, where they raised three sons. Their home was the site of many Cub Scout Meetings, backyard picnics, card parties, family, church and neighborhood gatherings.

Ernie graduated from Temple University in 1938. He worked at Sears Roebuck and for the State of New Jersey. Upon retirement, he and Peg spent many years traveling, attending Army reunions, enjoying their grandchildren, and welcoming a new generation of great-grandchildren.

Ernie maintained an active role in civic and church activities. He was an early member of the First Baptist Church of Levittown-Fairless Hills, where he served as deacon and member of many committees.

Throughout his life, Ernie loved camping, playing his harmonica, reading poetry, playing dominoes, and working on his house. He was an accomplished woodworker, creating cradles, children’s furniture, Christmas ornaments, and candleholders to the delight of family and friends.

Ernie is survived by his three sons and their wives: Joseph E. Haviland, Jr., and his wife Bobbie of Media, Robert E. Haviland and his wife Linda of Levittown, and James A. Haviland and his wife Claudia of Levittown. His loss is deeply felt by his grandchildren Kelliann Dougherty, Lisa Haviland, Sara Jackson, Robert Haviland, Rebecca Davidson, and Courtney Greenberg. He also leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren; his sister Edie Gotwols and sister-in-law, Dolores Wunder, and many very special nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his beloved first grandson, Joseph Ernest Haviland, III.

Ernie’s family will receive condolences on Saturday, April 26, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. until his funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, PA 18954.

His interment will be in Newtown Cemetery in Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Levittown-Fairless Hills, 6131 Emilie Road, Post Office Box 777, Levittown, PA 19058-0777.