David Francis Haley

1946 - 2025

David Francis Haley

Gilford, NH - GILFORD ---- David F. Haley, 78, passed away at home, Monday, March 3, 2025 after a long illness.

David was born, October 11, 1946 in Hingham, MA to the late Thomas and Virginia Haley.

David grew up in Hingham, MA where he attended Archbishop Williams High School, class of 1964. He was an all-state athlete and member of the 1960's football teams that won three consecutive state championships

David was recruited by coach Ara Parseghian to play for the University of Notre Dame and was a member of their 1966 national championship football team which remains a cherished memory. Following college, David served in the US Army during the Vietnam era. Upon discharge he moved to New Hampshire and began a successful 50-year career in the insurance and bonding business in the Lake Winnipesaukee region. His spare time was spent enjoying hiking the mountains and trails of New Hampshire and working his cherished bird dogs grouse hunting in the New Hampshire North Country.

David's greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, Janet, his children, his beloved dogs, and the circle of friends in the Gilford/Laconia area as well as childhood friends from high school and college sharing memories of growing up in the 1950's and 60's when life seemed simpler...like "Ozzie and Harriet" and "Leave it to Beaver" when mom would call you home for supper by ringing a cowbell in the neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janet, son David Haley of Hampton, NH, daughters Nicole Haley of Laconia, NH, and Brooke Cote and husband Mark of Manchester, NH, granddaughters Haley and Allison, brothers Thomas Haley, Jr, of Duxbury, MA and his wife Judy, John Haley and his wife Carol of Myrtle Beach, SC and sister Suzanne Dowd and her husband Tom of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by Betty Ann Leahy, mother of his three children, along with stepson Eric Hanover, his wife Marsha of Northfield, NH and related children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

A celebration of David's life will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 11:00am, at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford, NH.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date, at St. Paul's Church in Hingham, MA.

The family suggests donations in David's memory may be made to the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford, NH 03249 for community outreach. Please write "David Haley Memorial" in the memo line.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.