John Robert Haas

June 25, 1960 – June 7, 2025

It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude that we announce the passing of John Robert Haas, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, and an extraordinary contributor to space exploration. John passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy that reached from his family’s hearts all the way to the stars.

Born on June 25, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, John was the son of Doris Ann Martin and the late James Leroy Haas Sr. He grew up with a curious mind and hardworking hands, a combination that would define his entire life. After graduating from La Porte High School, John earned his engineering degree from Texas A&M University, where he remained a proud and loyal Aggie throughout his life.

John’s career was nothing short of remarkable. A longtime civil servant and trailblazer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, he dedicated decades to advancing human spaceflight training and technology. Known for his hands-on innovation and creative problem-solving, John was instrumental in shaping the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL)—a critical component of NASA’s astronaut training.

His work included leading the design and patenting of a one-of-a-kind titanium rotary actuator that revolutionized underwater astronaut operations. He played key roles in the development of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and the NBL Critical Systems department. In 2016, he was named NBL Office Chief, where he boldly redefined the lab’s mission to support future spaceflight and planetary exploration.

In honor of his unmatched contributions, NASA dedicated the NBL Operations Control Center to John Haas—a rare and fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work helped train generations of astronauts.

John received many prestigious honors, including the NASA Silver Snoopy Award—one of the highest recognitions an employee can receive from the astronaut corps. This award, presented personally by astronauts, honors individuals for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success. Fewer than 1% of the NASA workforce receives this honor, and John earned it with distinction.

He was also awarded the Tommy Dornak Award, a recognition he helped create to honor those who put others first, support their colleagues, and bring light into difficult moments. John embodied the spirit of the award: humble, helpful, and quietly heroic.

Beyond his professional excellence, John was a man of deep integrity, kindness, and wisdom. He was a devoted husband to Beth Haas, whom he married on January 26, 2002. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and the joy of raising their three daughters—Annalee, Madeline (Mattie), and Ella—whom he adored beyond measure.

John was a proud son to his mother, Doris Jablonski (husband Leon), a beloved brother to Joy Killough (husband Charlie) and Joseph Haas (wife Stacey), and a loving uncle known affectionately as “Space Uncle John.” He was predeceased by his father, James Haas Sr. , and his brother, James Haas Jr.

Outside of work, John’s passions included racing motorcycles and cars, brewing craft beer, inventing, and cheering on Aggie football. He was a longtime member of the Pantera Car Club and a faithful member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He found joy in building things, fixing engines, and offering advice that could range from car repair to gardening tips—always delivered with a smile and a sincere desire to help.

John’s family and friends remember him as honest, loyal, endlessly creative, and deeply loving. As his wife Beth shares, “John was loved by his family and always made sure they knew he loved them back. He strove to be honest and kind. He was a good and loyal friend.” His sister Joy adds, “John was a doting son, beloved brother, and special uncle. He was an irreplaceable fixture in our lives, a source of wisdom and warmth.”

Throughout his life, John shared simple but powerful guidance that those he mentored will carry forever:

• “Know your stuff before you can do great things.”
• “It’s okay to fail—just make sure you learn and improve.”
• “If you don’t know the answer, say so—and then go find it.”

John Robert Haas leaves behind not only a list of accolades, but a legacy of lives touched, problems solved, and missions made safer through his ingenuity and care. He was a man who looked to the stars but kept his feet firmly grounded in family, friendship, and faith.

He will be deeply missed—and forever remembered.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all that have supported John over the last year.  Special thanks to the staff of Divinity hospice, MD Anderson and John’s coworkers at the NBL and NASA.