Khalil Haker
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Published in Legacy.com on July 23, 2025
Khalil D. Haker, 82, of Marlborough passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025 in Marlborough Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with ALS.
Khalil was born in Damascus, Syria, the son of the late Deeb K. and Marica (Roumi) Haker.
Khalil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” E. (Mulligan) Haker of Marlborough, his son, Christopher Haker of Northborough, 3 grandchildren, Jackson, Ella and Willem, 3 sisters, Fadia Ishaq and her husband Samir of AZ, Affaf Koucash and her husband Elias and Loudi Elish all of Syria, as well as several, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Khalil was born and raised in Damascus, Syria surrounded by his loving parents and three sisters. He started working in his father’s coppersmith shop at the age of 6 where he developed his unmatched work ethic. He was an avid soccer player and swimmer. In 1968, Khalil moved to the United States of America, with $28 sewn into his front shirt pocket for emergencies by his mother and speaking barely any English. He took odd jobs that no one else would do until he saved enough money to go to Northeastern University, where he obtained a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While finishing school, he met his future wife, Betsy, and had his only son, Christopher. After graduation, he worked as an entry level engineer for BLH Electronics, designing high tech instrumentation for government and industrial use. As his career progressed, he traveled throughout the world to places like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Sweden, and Costa Rica. In 1993, Khalil became the President and CEO of BLH and served in that role until he retired in 2000.
In his adult life, he loved to camp with this family, travel with his wife to places such as Greece, France, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and various National Parks. Khalil loved building and spending time at their second home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where he enjoyed motor boating and kayaking. He became a licensed pilot at the age of 50 flying around New England.
After retirement, Khalil loved spending time with his son and grandchildren, taking them to dinner and a movie, spending time on the lake, camping, and going to fairs. He was a skilled carpenter that loved his tools or even made them if there wasn’t one that could do the job he needed. Given enough time and effort, he could come up with a solution to any situation.
Khalil greatest joy was to put a smile on someone’s face. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
At the family’s request, please omit flowers and please consider making a donation in Khalil’s name to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough, MA. Visitation will be held prior to his service from 10-11:30 am in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA