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Dennis Haggerty Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Haggerty
S. Calderone
July 20, 2023
I still remember with vivid clarity sitting in your classroom at friends school. You had a tremendous impact . Thank you
anthony iacono
July 20, 2021
I still think of DEnnis often. I have various pieces of his artwork around my house, people ask about the artist and it´s always fun to remember him. Rip Dennis And warm thoughts to Suzi and Denises family. Tony Iacono - Newport Rhode Island
Merzey Ralston
October 26, 2017
Very sad to just learn about your passing. Many a night spent on the barstool talking with you. Should have made that trip to Taos.
November 14, 2013
Just now learning of Dennis' passing. I have many fond memories and a great collection of "letter art" - the same SW mountain/landscape watercolors on probably 40 or more letters he had sent to me - John Strong (WCSU 1969), Lake George, NY
Dennis front & center (narrator chorus)ANTIGONE 1969
RICHARD "Dick" MULLIN
August 5, 2013
Dennis -- I first saw you as a young "kid" at WCSC. We were in shows together at Theatre 208, hence we partied together too and I used you in a cameo role for a home movie production I made in 1966. I just don't think about as an older person at all. R.I.P. young dude!
Ray Irons
August 4, 2013
I remember Dennis from my days at WC Friends as a student. I only knew him for the 2 years I attended, but he left an impression on me that has lasted into adulthood. SO sorry to hear of his passing, and I regret I hadn't seen it when it was originally published. RIP Mr. Haggerty, we still remember you and the joy you brought to us thru your art.
To all of those who tried to park in West Chester just for a quick Dennis visit!!
Kimberly Holleran
July 24, 2013
Dennis altered my life, as I knew it, indelibly. When we met for the first time, my life was as different from his as the far ends of the color spectrum. Within a short time, those colors blended automatically with virtually no effort. He taught me that every consideration must be first given to the rules that exist and then gave me the courage to see that sometimes whomever made those rules could possibly be incorrect! There is a time for every season. Who we are as human beings may only be defined by ourselves...our own actions...our own choices. He was a teacher of the finest standards. I am so thankful, every day, for the privilege of getting to know and cherish such an outrageous human being. He had so much dark and so much light that anyone could recognize the same in themselves. Thank you my dear friend for the many years of caring and sharing in this life. Loved you dearly in this lifetime and can not wait to sit beside you at some "dive" in the next. oxk
Richard Tepper
May 28, 2013
Today I looked at one of my Haggerty's and said I hate that frame Looked online for Dennis and found his obit. We spent many a winter night at Vincents RIP
February 17, 2013
Just heard about Dennis. Knew him as astudent at W.C. when I taught there. H. Bram
Britta
February 3, 2013
I am saddened to learn of Dennis' passing and oddly learned of it while viewing one of his paintings today at a local art show. Remembering Dennis from Lincoln Coffee Shop where I worked years ago I consider myself lucky to have one of his many works of art in my home to remember a truly talented individual.
January 4, 2013
How very sad to lose Dennis. I remember him from many years ago at West Chester & Taos. Such a talented, funny, intelligent man. Mimi Galligan
Beth Diamond
October 16, 2012
You were an inspiration to us all.
Teacher Beth
Tibby Gold
September 12, 2012
Dennis,
Honk if you meet Elvis. Loved my luck at being your friend.
Tibby, Taos, NM
Laura Jane Favela (formerly Murphy)
August 28, 2012
Teacher Dennis was my first art teacher. I spent K-5th at West Chester Friends School (late 80's to early 90's) and I loved his class. I will never forget learning how to draw perspective from him (he taught it well!) or how he always allowed me to do my own thing with an art project. He truly encouraged his students' creativity and helped us to thrive. I feel that he played an instrumental role in my decision to study art and pursue a career as an artist. I remember how, in the classroom, everyone would laugh when he threw jellybeans or banged his yardsticks on the table. He was one of the best teachers I ever had and I know I speak for my parents as well when I say that he will be missed and remembered with great fondness. My only regret is that my husband never got to meet him. I will treasure my memories of Teacher Dennis and his class for the rest of my life.
sandy dickens-calderone
August 9, 2012
Dennis, or as I knew him, Mr.Haggerty, was the sole inspiration for me following my passion of art and obtaining my BFA. He was my 6th grade art teacher and was one of a kind. All through the years I would inquire about "Mr.Haggery"to my Mother ,who still lives in West Chester.I've never forgotten this man. He was so talented, interesting, and full of a love of life most of us could only hope to have. I'm blessed to have been his student. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Denise Cicchino
August 6, 2012
Dennis...We will all miss you. West Chester will never be the same but I have all those envelopes to remember you by
August 6, 2012
A friend, many years ago. And an inspiration to two nieces at Friends. Wish I had visited with you a few years ago, when I had the chance.
Joanna Singletary Morrow Belmont
August 6, 2012
A friend, many years ago. And an inspiration to two nieces at Friends. Wish I had visited with you a few years ago, when I had the chance.
Joanna belmont
Tom Collins
August 5, 2012
I met Dennis in the late 1970s in Taos, New Mexico and looked forward to seeing him every summer afterwards. He was always a pleasure to be with. His warmth, intelligence, wit and love of baseball made him a welcome companion out in the provinces. I hadn't seen him in a while and am shocked and deeply saddened by this news. My condolences to all of his friends and family. He will be missed by many.
Bob Kane
August 3, 2012
I ran into Dennis last year in W.C. I am an alum of Friends School. Class of '72. I have fond memories of all the recesses he jumped in and played with us. What amazed me was 40 years later he not only remembered those great games of hoops and softball but reeled of the names of the class like it was yesterday. "Nat, David, Randy, Grant, John, Val, Caroline, Phoebe, Sally, Merry, Robin..." he blew me away with that memory. He was one of a kind and seemed to touch many people along the way from school, to art, to man about town. He will be missed.
Danny Neal
August 2, 2012
A damn fine street hockey player....it is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself...
JT Barbarese
August 2, 2012
A year after he began sending me clippings in those unmistakeable envelopes, we ran into each other. A conference for Quaker educators. For years afterward I'd hear from him, always by mail, everthing in a handpainted envelope. There was never any compromising of his painting to his teaching, his art to their pedagogy. The complete artist.
August 2, 2012
Dennis Haggerty was my first cool teacher at West Chester Friends school in 1971.Who would have thought that a teacher rode a really nice motorcycle to school each day. As a student, he taught me how to make a really huge dinosor out of plaster paris. I wasn't an art student but Mr. Haggarty taught me how to express myself artistically all the while making his class my (and most of my classmates)favorite class.He will be missed greatly.
Lester Lishon
WFS 6th grade "class of 73"
Nancy Cunningham
August 2, 2012
Dennis and I became friends in 1972. I'll always remember his kind heart and sense of humor. what a loss.
peter O
July 31, 2012
Taos will miss him.
Ed Hayes
July 30, 2012
I first met Dennis while delivering for UPS to The Friends School. He was well read, always having a book in his hands. He loved to talk Phillies and politics. One we agreed on and the other we didn't, but it was always a great conversation. He will be missed.
Sharon Goodspeed
July 30, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of the entire Haggerty Family during this difficult time.
July 29, 2012
DD,do not go gentle into that good night...AA
Joseph Pardo
July 29, 2012
A great loss to the West Chester Friends family and the local community, Dennis will be missed by many.
Ron Dykes
July 29, 2012
Sorry to hear of this..............Knew Dennis from Theatre 208 at West Chester State College.
July 29, 2012
Dennis, We'll miss you
Tom and Diane Jones
Holly Torok
July 29, 2012
Dennis was one of the first people I met in WC. He shared many stories of his life, his art, laughter, and even a few tears. I always called him a curmudgeon, but he was kind, respectful, and had a very soft place in his heart for many people. My deepest condolences to Suzie and his family.
Marlene Roth
July 29, 2012
So sorry to hear about this - I have great memories of Dennis from West Chester and Theatre 208.
July 29, 2012
A wonderful artist and man that loved our son Brian Bratcher each and every year. Also had our daughter in school. Will miss you greatly. Thank you for sharing your art with us all.
Susan Bratcher
Frank Alamia
July 28, 2012
Very sorry to hear of Dennis's passing.
July 28, 2012
At a recent dinner, smile Dennis! - Chris Swisher
Chris Swisher
July 28, 2012
This one was published in the Daily Local- Chris Swisher
Chris Swisher
July 28, 2012
Kathy Walls Chan
July 28, 2012
Remembering your humor and laughter that you provided all of us at St. Phil's. Thank you Dennis, for sharing your art with us by bringing some copies and giving to each of us at reunion at Margie Lavin's home a few years ago. Go with God and sleep well! You Will be sorely missed, Dennis!! Suzie. you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy Walls Chan
Brett Walker
July 28, 2012
The passing of another great artist from Chester County is a loss to the world of art. A universe of creativity has left us, but his inspiration will live on through his paintings and the many people he has touched. I am one of them. Thank you, Dennis, for everything.
Here's one of my favorite photos of Dennis. Taken around 1976. I think "Blood on the Tracks" was playing.
Chris Swisher
July 28, 2012
Bobby Spaz
July 28, 2012
Sorry to hear of Dennis passing. A West Chester fixture is gone forever but his paintings will be here forever.
D Gibson
July 28, 2012
I recall you appearing in the doorway of Mrs. Hoffman's fourth grade classroom in Fall 1969, crescent wrench in hand, to adjust the student's desk heights. You worked on my desk, and stated it was your first day of work. I also recall a young Dennis Haggerty with full head of hair asking me if there were any places to pull motorcycle "wheelies" in my parents field. Holding such memories for 43 years indicates a life treasured by others. Godspeed.
Kathy Walls Chan
July 27, 2012
Sleep well, dear Dennis, and rest in God's peace! We Will miss you and your extraordinary gifts! Kathy Walls Chan
Irene Russo
July 27, 2012
Dennis words cannot express how saddened I am that you are not physically on this planet although your spirit is still with us I am going to miss you dear dear friend. You will always be in my thoughts and my dreams. Irene
July 27, 2012
Very SAD to learn of Dennis' passing. He was one of the first people I met upon moving to West Chester, and over the past 20 years seeing him meant warm meetings and good conversation. Dennis possessed a wonderful independence and curiosity while showing enormous respect and kindness to people. His annual party brought a diverse group together for memorable and fun times. I, along with many others, will miss him. Sincere condolences to Suzie and Dennis' family. Tony Iacono West Chester&Newport
L.M. Dineen
July 27, 2012
I grew up with Dennis's paintings in almost every room of my childhood home in Wayne, PA. He was a great friend of my father's -- one of a small group who have known each other and remained close since grade school. He was a talented and spirited individual who will be missed by many.
Steve Pinkston
July 27, 2012
Dennis,
You enlightened my life. You will be missed.
JC Stinson
July 27, 2012
Good night, sweet prince;
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Bill Flounders
July 27, 2012
RIP Denny.
Jeffrey Becker
July 27, 2012
I am saddened to learn of Dennis' passing. I knew him first as Master Dennis at West Chester Friends School. He was an inspiring teacher and I remember often his class because it was fun and meaningful. All of us who teach could learn a lot from his example. My sympathies to Dennis' family - he was a kind and generous person.
Dawn Dodsworth & Family
July 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers for all of you. He was a kind and generous man and such a wonderful artists !
Nat Whitten
July 27, 2012
Dennis was among the handful of teachers who had a major impact on me. He was also the coolest, riding to Friends School on his motorcycle, the man in the black leather jacket. I wasn't much of an art student, but he didn't let that stop me. As for recess, he was at the center of the action, whether that was softball, kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag, or general mayhem. He must have crossed High Street 1,000 times chasing down errant kicks, throws, hits, and bounces with nary a complaint. Later, I grew to love his painting, both the abstract and the landscapes. I admire the passion Dennis put into every aspect of his life. His work will continue to inspire.
Linnea Pierrard
July 27, 2012
Master Dennis was a wonderful inspiring teacher to me at West Chester Friends. I hold many memories of his art classes dear and am grateful for his sharing of his passion for art and teaching. As a teacher I strive to pass on that joy for art. He was the first painter I ever met and will probably always be the coolest!
Deborah Liczwek
July 27, 2012
Teacher Dennis was a terrific art teacher who somehow managed to inspire and encourage the creativithy of "the boys" (myson's first grade class at West Chester Friends). Although my son did not pursue art as a career, he has become a fine painter and much credit is due to Teacher Dennis.
Shannin Givler
July 26, 2012
Heart broken
Shannon Givler
July 26, 2012
No words can express how sorry I am to hear that T.Dennis is no longer with us. He was my amazing art teacher at WCFS from 1979 -1990. It is as though a part of my childhood is now gone too. Prayers to his family during this time. He will surely be missed, by family, friends and countless students. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Madeleine Adler
July 26, 2012
Family and Friends, We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of this gifted artist and personal friend. Works by Dennis hang prominently in our home. --Madeleine Wing Adler & Fred Lane
July 26, 2012
Ed, Kevin, and Dan, and the rest of Dennis' family,
I was so saddened by the news of Dennis' passing. I know how proud Grandmom was of all of his talent. Aunt Betty may have bragged a time or two also!!! I am so sorry for all of you at this time. My prayers are with you all at this time of grief.
Betty Issertell McGrory
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