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Wilbur H. Haggett

1930 - 2018

Wilbur H. Haggett obituary, 1930-2018, Essex, MA

BORN

1930

DIED

2018

Wilbur Haggett Obituary

Wilbur Bill Haggett, 88, passed away on January 21, 2018 at the Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT following a short illness. Bill lived in Marblehead, MA for most of his life before moving to Newtown, CT in 2011 to be near his beloved daughter Linda and her family. He was born in Lynn, MA on January 13, 1930 to Mabel (Little) Haggett and Wilbur Haggett and was the oldest of five children. Bills unending passion for music and dance began in 1946 when inspired by the Fred Astaire movie Blue Skies. His dream to be a dancer and choreographer led Bill to relocate to New York City and he ultimately developed a dedication and work ethic to his art that led him to seek teachers and mentors such as Danny Daniels and Gower Champion. Following his military service as a drummer in the Air Force Band, he returned to New York to focus on his dance career. Ultimately, Bill became a professional dancer performing in hotels, theaters and nightclubs in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. While performing at a nightclub at Scaroon Manor in the Adirondacks, Bill met Midge Miner, who became his dance partner and just six months later, the two were wed in Marblehead, MA. The professional dance team of Midge and Bill Haggett spent the next several years performing across the US and regularly appeared on such TV shows as the Glenn Miller Hour and the Ed Sullivan Show. At one point, they were deemed to be the next Marge and Gower Champion and their performances were always positively reviewed by Broadway critics. Through these incredible years, Midge and Bill worked with Gene Kelly, Robert Goulet, Tony Bennett, Sid Caesar, Sammy Davis, Jr. and many more. During those years Bill also worked as the choreographer for the Sheri Lewis and Gary Moore television shows. In 1962, now with two young daughters, Midge and Bill decided to settle back in Marblehead to share their talents with young, aspiring dancers from the community and opened Midge and Bill Haggetts School of Dance. Within a few years, the school evolved into The Young Dance Company of America and performed regularly around the greater Boston area and at Walt Disney World in FL. While teaching the art of dance, Bill focused on a foundation of relaxation, personal well-being and high self-esteem. Over the years, the two taught and mentored thousands of young and teenage girls from their home studio. Bills believe in yourself philosophy in the dance studio positively influenced many personal lives. In addition to learning dance, performing on stage and just having fun, Midge and Bills girls learned lessons that they would carry through life. Today, many alumni fondly remember their time in the YDC as a life changing experience. When Bill relocated to Newtown in 2011, he connected with Diane Wardenburg Miss Diane owner of the Lathrop School of Dance in order to stay active in his art and share his gifts with the local Newtown youth. Among the staff and students of the Lathrop School, he quickly became known and loved as Broadway Bill. Whether in New York, Marblehead or Newtown, Bills master of the art, attitude of positivity and professional demeanor always affected those he met and inspired so many to reach for their stars. He will be eternally loved and missed by all. Bill was pre-deceased by Midge in 2015. He is survived by his daughter Linda Burke, son-in-law John, granddaughter Melissa (all of Brookfield, CT) and daughter Lisa Haggett of Lexington, KY. He is also survived by brother Ted Haggett and life partner Cherry Bean of Amesbury, MA, sister Jane Vlasuk and husband John of Sandown, NH, sister Carolyn Merrill and husband Howie of Alfred, ME, brother Clarke Haggett and wife Karen of Maryville, TN and several nieces and nephews who all loved him very much. He also leaves behind his special Dance Company collaborators and close friends Mike Mickey Lane of Conway, NH, Greg Dana of Marblehead, MA, John Caswell of Marblehead, MA and Jim Harrington of Salem, MA. The details for a memorial service to honor Bill are incomplete and will be announced by the family. Donations in Bills memory may be made to the Virginia & Mack Lathrop Scholarship, c/o Newtown Scholarship Association, PO Box 302, Newtown, CT 06470. This is a scholarship developed by the late Ginny Lathrop (Lathrops School of Dance) to fund a high school student with aspirations of pursuing a professional dance career. Also, in honor of Bills life, John Caswell of MHTV in Marblehead has graciously scheduled to air Magical, a celebration of the Young Dance Company of America on Comcast channel 8 and Verizon channel 28, both in Marblehead on February 2 at 7:30 PM, February 5 at 9:30 PM and February 8 at 10:00 AM.

Published by The Cape Ann Beacon from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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I had the privilege of knowing this amazing family. A period of time I have always treasured. I was most impressed by Bill's passion for dance. Equaled only by his passion for his family. Bill and Midge were more than Champions.

David Hanrahan

February 18, 2020

Hi there Uncle Bill.. I am so sorry to be so late in writing to you.. Ya see, I'm still having a difficult time accepting your passing.. I did not say all the words to you that I felt you should have heard from me. Thanks for being YOU, and encouraging me not to give up! You inspired me to tap into my gifts, and I hope I made you PROUD for following your lead, and staying positive. I met DOC Severinson recently and longed to share my experience with you.. Love and God Bless You .. Your niece misses your voice, you're BEAUTIFUL spirit will forever remain alive as long as this spirit of mine remains alive. Until we meet again, I'll be seeing you when we take that extra bow, TOGETHER! Love you Uncle Bill! -Kelly Haggett

Kelly Haggett

February 23, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Acts 4:15)

June 25, 2018

So Sorry for your lost, may you receive comfort, from the God of All Comfort, during this difficult time. Cor 1:3

February 20, 2018

Bill will be missed. I will always have those great memories of visiting him in Marblehead and his smile every time I showed up unannounced at his door. A great man with a great legacy.

Scott Haggett

February 9, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the Haggett family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day. - Ps 145:18,19

February 6, 2018

To The Haggett Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing , please except my condolences.

Robert Palladino

February 1, 2018

I will miss "Uncle Bill" very much. I always admired his incredible dedication to all the girls that looked up to him. May God Bless all who loved him as our family did.

Paul Haggett

January 31, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the Haggett family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day. - Ps 145:18,19

January 30, 2018

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