Travis C. Havel

Travis C. Havel, 53 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Travis had been employed with Virgo Medical Services and Lifeline Medical Services, both in East Orange, throughout much of his career. He has always enjoyed helping others and started as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Wildwood, NJ after high school. After moving to Wayne about twenty years ago, he joined the Wayne Volunteer Fire Company 4 and served there for many years. He was always ready and willing to serve his community.

Travis met his wife, Karen (nee Arbucci) after being introduced by a mutual friend. They had been dating for some time when Travis surprised Karen with a new toolbox. This wasn’t exactly her idea of the perfect gift, and she was rather unimpressed. But Travis encouraged her to open the toolbox, which revealed a sparkling engagement ring! They were soon married on October 2, 2004, at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Wayne, followed by a fantastic honeymoon to Hawaii. They have enjoyed eighteen “wonderful and fun” years together. They went to countless NASCAR races, minor league baseball games, football games, and hockey games. Travis particularly loved going to Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA to watch the Penguins play hockey. He would bring a Teddy Bear every time and throw it on the ice after the Penguins scored their first goal, which is a fun tradition there and the toys are collected off of the ice for charity! Travis and Karen also visited Atlantic City frequently, and they vacationed to Ocean City, MD where he enjoyed swimming in the ocean and relaxing on the beach. They had a lot of fun together and Karen will miss him dearly.

Travis was a good man, with a big heart. He was always willing to drop whatever he was doing and help a friend in need. All you had to do was ask and he would be there for you. He leaves behind a large group of friends, coworkers, and family who will all miss him very much.

Travis is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (nee Arbucci) of Wayne, his in-laws; Barbara and Vincent Arbucci of Wayne, his mother; Grace Havel of Wildwood, his sister; Jodie Beaudoin and her husband Chuck of Wildwood, two sisters-in-law; Lorraine Arbucci and her husband David Holowiecki of Florida, and Patricia Arbucci of Riverdale, his nieces and nephews; Gracie and Amber Beaudoin, and Dylan, Derek, and Devin Rhinesmith, and by his aunt; Anne Cielo. Travis was predeceased by his father, Charles Havel.