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Jeremiah Haggerty Obituary
Jeremiah (Jerry) Michael Haggerty, 83 of New City, NY, passed away on 5/18/14 at his home in the presence of his beloved wife Kathleen, six children and sixteen grandchildren. He was born on January 19, 1931 to Michael and Margaret (Callaghan) Haggerty, who had both emigrated from Kilgarvan, County Kerry, Ireland to NYC in 1919. He was predeceased by his father (1934), mother (1986) and his brother Michael (2004). He grew up on Melrose Ave. and Jerry's mother always called her sons the "best two boys from the Bronx". Jerry attended La Salle Academy in Manhattan on a basketball scholarship. He attended Manhattan College and graduated with a mathematics degree in 1954 and later received his Master's degree from Columbia University. Jerry also served in the military and was stationed in Japan. When he returned, he was a math professor at Manhattan College. Jerry met the love of his life, Kathleen Frances Hurley in 1957. They were married on August 23, 1958 and settled in the Bronx. Later, they moved to Valley Cottage, NY and Jerry became head of the Math Department at Tappan Zee High School, where he taught for 35 years. He was also the principal of the summer school program for many years. Teaching was his passion, and he influenced countless students who shared his love of math. Jerry is survived by his six children: Susan (Thomas O'Connor), Michael (Jody Cuccia), Joan (Patrick Fitzmaurice), Stephen (Angela McQuade), Jeannine (Phillip Ratchford), Barbara (Zannetti) and his sixteen grandchildren: Alaina, Colin, Jennifer, Emily, Daniel, Taylor, Brian, Michael, Katie, Kira, Julia, Conor, Shannon, CJ, Christian and Mia. Jerry enjoyed home improvement projects, his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, tending his vegetable garden, and spending time with his grandchildren. His incredible legacy will live on through his family. He set the bar very high for all who were graced to know him. He lived his life by four simple principles: faith, honesty, integrity and family and his children and grandchildren live their lives with him as their role model. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3PM to 8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home in Congers. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Thursday at St. Augustine's R.C. Church followed by interment at Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery, New Hempstead. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or the National MS Society.
Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.
113 Lake Road East
Congers, NY 10920
(845) 268-6665
www.mjhigginscongers.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Jeremiah Haggerty
Michael Markowitz
May 24, 2014
I must admit to being Mr. Haggerty's "teacher's pet" during my last two years at TZ ('67-'69). He guided my independent study in math (through 2nd-year calc) and introduced me to computer science, as well as acting as my guidance counselor for college applications. He was always inspiring and encouraging (not to mention self-effacing!), and gave more generously of his time than any of my other teachers. I regard the confidence I gained under his tutelage as crucial to the success I've had in my career. He was wonderful and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.
Tim Komonchak
May 23, 2014
I worked with Jerry for 30 years at TZ. Always a gentleman, good sense of humor, and smart. A good man has left us. Rest in Peace, Jerry.
Tim Komonchak
Cliff and Lori Bohling
May 23, 2014
Hags, We are thinking of your family with deep sorrow. We know this is not a club anyone wants to be in; losing an amazing dad. We know your pain all too well and send you all the love and prayers to get you through this. I know he will be watching over your children and keeping them safe, up in heaven with Pappaman and my parents too. Finally free of pain and suffering and back to smiling!!! Love you, Cliffie & Lori and the Standards!
Kathi Bart Dolan
May 22, 2014
The Bart family is thinking of you all during this very sad time. Our mother, Hanorah, is in a nursing home now and is unable to attend the services. She would of loved to have been there for her dear friend Kay, and family. Jerry and Bill are in heaven cherishing all the great memories the four of them shared early on in their lives. Our sympathies are with you all. The Bart Family
May 22, 2014
The Bart family are thinking of you all during this very sad time. Our Mom, Hanorah, is now in a nursing home and not easy to transport. Otherwise she would have been there to pay respects to her long time friend Kay and her family. Our deepest sympathies. Kathi Bart Dolan
May 22, 2014
I worked with Jerry at tzhs and was impressed by his dedication, devotion to his family and faith. He was a true mensch or gentleman as we who are Jewish say. It was my honor to have been a friend and colleague of his. My sincere sympathy to his entire family, Always, Alvin D.Schwartz
May 22, 2014
Mr. Haggerty was a model human being and a spectacular teacher/ administrator. I always admired his kindness. He was a friend, a colleague, and sometime father figure to me. He will be missed; my most sincere condolences to his family. RIP, Jerry.
Maureen E. Fay Fort Lee, NJ
Karin Herrmann Adams
May 20, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. Mr. Haggerty was a wonderful person and a great teacher. I never had him for a teacher but knew him well during my time at Tappan Zee HS. Please know that you are in my prayers. RIP Mr. Haggerty. You will be missed by a great many people.
Robert Carillo
May 20, 2014
When I began teaching at TZ in the summer of 1968, Jerry was my department chairman and mentor. I learned so much from him about teaching and especially about the beauty and teaching of mathematics. He taught me the beauty of the derivation of the quadratic formula by 'completing the square'. He taught me the beauty of the derivation of the trigonometric functions from the 'unit circle'. Most of all, he taught me that every student is important and every individual should be treated with dignity and respect. He, along with Dan Dinan, got me involved with the teachers' union (EASO) in South Orangetown, again demonstrating the importance of everyone being treated with dignity and respect. We have lost a wonderful individual and I have lost a true friend and mentor. He changed my life.
Jim and Carole Hughes
May 20, 2014
Jerry was for many years the chief negotiator for the Education Association of South Orangetown. All of us were privileged to be represented by a man of such absolute honesty and integrity, and by his example he made us all better teachers. It was an honor to be his friend and colleague. Our condolences to Kay and his family.
May 20, 2014
When I began teaching at TZ in the summer of 1968, Jerry was my department chairman and mentor. I learned so much from him about teaching and especially about the beauty and teaching of mathematics. He taught me the beauty of the derivation of the quadratic formula by 'completing the square'. He taught me the beauty of the derivation of the trigonometric functions from the 'unit circle'. Most of all, he taught me that every student is important and every individual should be treated with dignity and respect. He, along with Dan Dinan, got me involved with the teachers' union (EASO) in South Orangetown, again demonstrating the importance of everyone being treated with dignity and respect. We have lost a wonderful individual and I have lost a true friend and mentor. He changed my life.
Donna ONeill
May 20, 2014
Dear Kay and Family,
I only met with Jerry a few times but I remember them with fondness and laughter, especially when he and Michael went at it. I'll always remember him as a true gentlemen. I am sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers
Love, Donna
May 20, 2014
Alexis Turkalo.
Linda Creighton
May 20, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. Mr Haggerty was my math teacher many years ago and he was a kind, caring and dedicated teacher. He left a postive impression in my life.
May 20, 2014
He was a great teacher. He was instrumental in guiding my love of math and my career in software. RIP
Paddy Sheanon
May 20, 2014
Jerry Haggerty A True Gentleman you will be missed, RIP Paddy Rosemarie Sean Lisa Brian and KatieElla Sheanon Cavan
Erika Thomas
May 19, 2014
Peace be with you always Mr. Jeremiah Haggerty. Barb sending my prayers to you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss.
Tom McLeod
May 19, 2014
He will always be Mr Haggerty to me. As my math teacher for two years and advisor for Math Club he cultivated my interest in math and prodded me on. He also was able to get me focused when distracted by classmates by a well aimed eraser to the back of my head while I chatted with classmates. The thought of our world without him makes me sad.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
May 19, 2014
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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