James E. Haggerty

James E. Haggerty died on Tuesday Jan. 27, 2015 at Select Specialty Hospital, Danville, PA (Geisinger Medical Center). He died after a 3 yr. courageous battle against skin cancer and its complications. Coach Haggerty was born in 1932 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. James was the youngest of nine children born to Frank E. and Josephine Haggerty. Jim attended grade school at Epiphany School in Sayre and graduated from Sayre High School in 1951. He was a member of the football team. Jim and his brothers Leo, Glen and Gene were recognized as being from the most 'Outstanding Athletic Family' in Sayre High School history. He played Division 1 Football on scholarship at St Bonaventure University in Olean, NY until they dropped their football program and then transferred to Dayton University where he was named "the most versatile player" on the team. He graduated with a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education and Biological Sciences and later received his Master's Degree from Ithaca College in Physical Education and did additional Degree work at Ithaca and Cornell University. Following his graduation from Dayton University, Jim taught at Waverly High School and coached football. Jim received an NFL invitation to play for the Cleveland Browns but was unable to play due to being drafted into the US Army where he coached the 2nd Army Wrestling and Football Teams at Fort Belvoir, VA. He taught at Towanda high school and then taught and coached with his brother Leo in California. In 1959 he developed the first football program at Notre Dame High School in Elmira, NY where he also taught. Jim married Sally Ann Meredith in August 1959. They were blessed with six children James (Felice) of Towanda, PA, Joseph (Michele) of Towanda, PA, MaryJo (Jose') of Brazil, Susan of Florida, Michael (Cynthia) of China, and Catherine (Rafael) of Connecticut. "Coach" began coaching the 8 man football program at Tioga Central Schools in 1962, later changing to the 11 man game. He continued coaching and teaching at his "Beloved Tioga" for 33 years. Jim was very proud and honored when they named their football stadium "Jim Haggerty Field." Jim and Sally volunteered together at the Robert Packer as part of the Tender Hearts Program visiting many heart procedure patients. Coach was also involved in a community research program which was started to promote healthier lifestyles for school children. Jim and Sally were members of an advisory board for Catholic Charities and Jim was a lifetime member of the Tioga Alumni Association. Jim was a devout Catholic his entire life, became a recent member of the Blessed Trinity Parish (St James Church) Waverly, NY and was a Knights of Columbus member. Jim was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Edward and Jack, his sisters Joanne as a child, Fran and Mary (who died in 2014), and brother Gene (California) who died one week before Jim. In 1991 he lost his precious Granddaughter Jamie Meredith Haggerty and an infant son in 1967. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally, of 55 years, his three sons and three daughters, grandchildren Dr. Ana Luisa, Alexandre', Steven, Meredith, Melinda, Evan, James, Rodrigo, and a Great Granddaughter Mercedez. Also surviving are two older brothers Leo of California and Glen (Pat) of Florida as well as many very special nieces and nephews. Memorial Contributions in Memory of Coach Haggerty can be made to "Tioga Central Athletic Programs" in care of Mr. Scot Taylor, Superintendent of Schools, (3 Fifth Ave. Tioga Center, NY 13845) or to "Promoting Healthier Communities through Research and Development" in care of Mr. Don Jayne (102 Tracy Rd Waverly, NY 14892). A Private Family Mass (Epiphany Church) and Burial (Oak Hill Cemetery, Towanda) was officiated by Father Vincent Langan, a close family friend. Memorial Masses will be said at a later time. Arrangements were under the direction of the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home Towanda, PA. Memories and condolences may be expressed and shared by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

James E. Haggerty

January 27, 2015

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James E. Haggerty

January 27, 2015

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