John Francis Haggerty

John F. Haggerty, age 87, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away peacefully on December 6, 2022. He was born on October 16, 1935 in Dundalk, Maryland to parents John F. Haggerty, Sr. and Mary Whalen Haggerty. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Joan (nee’ Renstrom) Haggerty.

John Haggerty devoted his life to his family and his community. He leaves behind children Kathy Heiser (John), Terry Haggerty, Dan (Kelly) Haggerty and Liz Birth (Chris) and was preceded in death by his son Patrick Sr. (Cathy). He was the proud grandfather of 15; Johnnie (Lauren), Michael (Jessie) and Chris Heiser, Patrick Jr., Kaley, Sean, Meredith, Joshua, Charlotte, Lauren and Joseph Haggerty, Caroline Boniface (Jack), Jack, Max and Ellie Birth. He was also the proud great grandfather of 6; J W Heiser, Everett Heiser, Sutton Heiser, Duke Heiser, Forrest Heiser, and Nora Boniface.

John Spent his life giving back to his community. As a graduate of both the University of Florida and his beloved University of Maryland, John taught at Harford Community College, becoming the Associate Dean of the Physical Education Department and eventually Athletic Director. In his role as Athletic Director, he worked to build the modern-day sport fields at HCC. In addition, he served as President of the Maryland JUCO Athletic Conference and was the designer and manager of Thomas Run Park, providing 2500 softball and baseball games for all ages each year. He was awarded the Harford County Living Treasure Award and was inducted into the Harford Community College Hall of Fame.

As a proud Irish Catholic Democrat, John took a strong interest in public service and community, fighting so that future generations would have the same opportunities he had. John served 8 years as President of the New Harford Democratic Club, a member of the Bel Air Zoning Appeals Board and a board member of the Department of Parks and Recreation. John was also Chairman of the Bel Air Voter Action Committee, which worked to allow all Bel Air residents the right to vote in town elections.

John was appointed by 3 different Governors to different positions, by Governor Schaffer to the Maryland Real Estate Commission, by Governor Glendenning to the Governors Physical Fitness Commission and by Governor O’Malley to the Harford Community College Board of Trustees.

John was a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, serving in numerous capacities. He was a member of both the board and executive committee of the Central Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross and as President of the Harford County Chapter. He was recognized by the Red Cross with the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership and the John Menzies Award for Volunteer Leadership.

But to John, his most important role was as a father and grandfather, the patriarch of a family that has always given back to Harford County. Whether it was attending hundreds of sporting matches of his children and grandchildren, taking an active interest in their educations, installing a sense of community and public service to them or being there when he was needed, his family will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Harford Community College Athletic Scholarships, if mailing a check please make payable to Harford Community College Foundation and mail to Harford Community College Foundation, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 and in the memo line: In memory of John Haggerty or go online to https://go.harford.edu/foundation-giving