Obituary of John J. Haggerty, III

Rensselaer- John James “Jim” Haggerty, III, age 81, passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 23, 2023.

Jim was born in Albany to the late John J. Jr., and Kathlyn Gilbert Haggerty. He attended St. John’s School in Rensselaer and graduated in 1960.  He worked for the Albany Times Union, and later as a Firefighter for 26 years, with the Rensselaer Fire Department. He also worked as a substitute school bus driver for East Greenbush Central School District for 38 years.

Jim was a caring, loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always the jokester, but above all he was a humble man. He enjoyed fishing and camping and loved the Firehouse parades and gatherings. Jim was also a member of the Rensselaer Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Troy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Helen M. (Krasher) Haggerty; his children, Jennifer (Bryan) Walther, and John J. (Jennifer) Haggerty IV; his grandchildren, Bryan Walther, Victoria “Tori” Walther, and Rocco John Haggerty; his brothers, Brian, Thomas (Linda), Kevin (Joyce), Edmund “Pat” (Leslie), and the late David; and many nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Kathy Haggerty, and his beloved canine companions, Elliott and Oliver.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leonidas at Community Care Physicians, and Dr. Adams at Albany Medical Center, as well as Rensselaer Community Hospice, and Maureen O’Neil for the care and compassion shown to Jim.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 4-6pm, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick Street, Rensselaer, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:30am. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Jim’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation, Support the Parkinson's Foundation - Parkinson's Foundation (convio.net) or Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131