My beloved neighbor…I am going to miss bringing you over goodies that you got all excited about eating and sharing Birthdays and holidays with you. What I am going to miss the most is sitting there in your living room or the kitchen and having great conversation and laughing about it. You will be greatly missed. Xoxoxo……
Tribute to Wayne Haskins
From his early days as a door-to-door salesman, in 1959, in the heating and cooling business, Holland Furnace Company, to becoming the owner of one of Rochester’s longest-running HVAC companies, Universal Heating and Cooling, Wayne Haskins built a legacy grounded in hard work, bold ideas, and genuine compassion.
Wayne’s influence stretched far beyond his own company. Many of the men who worked at Universal went on to become business owners themselves, carrying forward the lessons and opportunities he gave them. His imagination knew no limits—Wayne always had ideas that sounded wild at first, yet somehow they worked.
One of the clearest examples was the day he decided to buy groceries, and kids toys, in bulk and place them in the front window of his shop on West Main Street, simply so people without cars, in the neighborhood, could get what they needed. All winter long, individuals—some pushing hand carts—stopped by to purchase food, and toys for their families. Wayne never asked for attention or thanks; he just saw a need and filled it.
He was also an innovator in his industry, introducing lifetime service warranties on equipment Universal installed. If a customer purchased a furnace and kept up with the yearly inspections at regular rates, Wayne honored that agreement for life. It was another example of his belief in standing behind his work and caring for the people who trusted him.
Wayne Haskins was more than a businessman—he was a mentor, a visionary, and a quiet giver. His impact continues to ripple through the community and through the lives of all who had the privilege of working with him or benefiting from his kindness.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Wayne’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
Tribute to Wayne Haskins
From his early days as a door-to-door salesman, in 1959, in the heating and cooling business, Holland Furnace Company, to becoming the owner of one of Rochester’s longest-running HVAC companies, Universal Heating and Cooling, Wayne Haskins built a legacy grounded in hard work, bold ideas, and genuine compassion.
Wayne’s influence stretched far beyond his own company. Many of the men who worked at Universal went on to become business owners themselves, carrying forward the lessons and opportunities he gave them. His imagination knew no limits—Wayne always had ideas that sounded wild at first, yet somehow they worked.
One of the clearest examples was the day he decided to buy groceries, and kids toys, in bulk and place them in the front window of his shop on West Main Street, simply so people without cars, in the neighborhood, could get what they needed. All winter long, individuals—some pushing hand carts—stopped by to purchase food, and toys for their families. Wayne never asked for attention or thanks; he just saw a need and filled it.
He was also an innovator in his industry, introducing lifetime service warranties on equipment Universal installed. If a customer purchased a furnace and kept up with the yearly inspections at regular rates, Wayne honored that agreement for life. It was another example of his belief in standing behind his work and caring for the people who trusted him.
Wayne Haskins was more than a businessman—he was a mentor, a visionary, and a quiet giver. His impact continues to ripple through the community and through the lives of all who had the privilege of working with him or benefiting from his kindness.