James R. Haggerty, of Dunmore, died Wednesday at home following an illness. His wife is the former Eileen Coyne.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Thomas and Catherine Ruddy Haggerty, he was educated in the Chapel School, graduated from the Cathedral High School, and earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Penn State in 1965. As an architect he worked on such projects as the Nay Aug Swim Center, industrial buildings for Revlon in Kankeekee, Ill., and the building which houses the original torch from the Statue of Liberty. Later in life he was the modernization coordinator for Lackawanna County Housing Authority. James was also a proud member ofthe American Institute of Architects, the Irish American Men’s Association, and St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church in Dunmore.
James was a kind and compassionate man. He will be remembered as a man of integrity and honesty. He cherished his time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored. He was completely devoted to his wife, Eileen. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, history, car racing of all kinds, summer nights at Lake Hideaway and his annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. He will be missed, but remembered with joy and adoration.
The family would like to thank Dr. Giovanni Ramos, the AseraCare Hospice team and Telespond volunteers for their unwavering care and compassion during Jim’s illness.
Also surviving are sons Sean and his companion Ellen Mellody of Jermyn and Todd and his companion Pamela Barberi of Wallingford, PA; a daughter Mari LaVigna and her husband Nicholas of Linwood, NJ; a brother Thomas and his wife Liz of Scranton; a sister-in-law Theresa Haggerty of Jessup; grandchildren Ethan David Blom, Padraic James, Madeline Malloy and Logan Thomas Haggerty, Kathryn and William LaVigna; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother Neil.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00am at St. Ann’s Basilica 1230 St. Ann St. Scranton, PA 18504.
Anyone attending the Mass is asked to go directly to the Church.
Friends may call Monday from 12:00-3:00pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton, PA 18510.
Cremation will follow the Mass in the Lake Region Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to AseraCare Hospice 1212 South Abington Rd Clarks Summit, PA 18411 www.aseracare.com or Telespond Senior Services 1200 Saginow St. # 1 Scranton, PA 18505 www.telespond.org
Rita Cooney Ryland
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor and his great love for his family.
Eileen Haggerty
Tom and Liz,
I will have a Mass said for Jimmy. Please accept my condolences.
Eileen Haggerty, Dayton, MD
Cathedral High School, Class of 1962
Ron Yazinski
Dear Eileen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful, caring, humorous man. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. You and he made a model couple. Please give my condolences to your children.
Sheila & Marty Brennan
Dear Eileen, Tommy & Liz
Both Marty and myself were so sorry to hear about your loss. We have wonderful memories of all the great times we shared on Webster Avenue. There was hardly a day that went by without a laugh . Jimmy will be missed and we hope and pray that God keeps you all close to His heart during this sad time.
We send our love.
Love Always
Sheila & Marty Brennan
Eileen Haggerty
Miss him every day. Great memories.
barbara emma shaffer
we are sorry that Mr Haggerty passed:( Im disabled now and I cant drive so I had to send this over the website:) my father is in the nursing home now so my mom is busy with him and we couldn’t make the wake or the funeral:( you’ll be in our thoughts and prayers:) I had to divorce rich s. in a bad situation and im with John Regan now:) did mr haggerty’s widow used to work for the Scranton housing authority??? if that is her, tell her I miss talking to her a lot:( the Shaffers, George, Marcia, Barbara Emma and John R and Edward and his fiancé Lynn M:) TTYS
Jean Brust Pitely
I remember Jimmy as a great classmate from Chapel and Cathedral. He was always easy-going and nice to be around. Please accept my condolences.
Richard McHugh
Prayers for Jim and his family. The Community has lost a great man.