Joseph Haggerty dies; educator, principal
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For a man with a long, distinguished career in both the Roman Catholic Church and academia, Joe Haggerty reveled in living a simple life.
He earned three master's degrees and one doctorate before embarking on a career that took him into the priesthood, followed by a 25-year career as an educator. But for all the academic and professional accolades bestowed upon him, Mr. Haggerty was always modest, said his wife, Peg Haggerty.
"He never considered himself to be an important man, just humble," she said.
Joseph Reed Haggerty died Wednesday at Swedish Medical Center Providence Campus from leukemia. He was 68.
Many in Seattle remember Mr. Haggerty for his 20-year tenure as principal of Bishop Blanchet High in North Seattle. He retired in 1999.
Born in Rochester, Minn., Mr. Haggerty earned his bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn., before studying in Rome. At the Gregorian University he earned a master's degree in theology, and at the Pontifical Lateran University he earned a master's degree in canon law.
He returned to Winona to earn a master's in counseling from Winona State University and later a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University.
In 1958, Mr. Haggerty was ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Winona. He resigned from the priesthood in 1970 and married Peg, a longtime friend, the following year. He went to Spokane to study canon law at Gonzaga University. It was there that he realized he would be more interested in education.
"He was just more interested in working with young people," Peg Haggerty said. "It was all about helping people become what they could be."
In 1974, Mr. Haggerty became principal of Our Lady of Guadalupe School in West Seattle, a position he held for five years. In 1979, he settled in as principal of Blanchet.
He took pleasure in motivating others, whether it was teachers or students, his wife said.
Mr. Haggerty had served as a regional representative on the secondary education committee of the National Catholic Education Association and on several boards and committees for principals and teachers.
For all the recognition he received from teachers and students, Mr. Haggerty favored simple pleasures of life. One of his favorite things to do was to drive his 1972 pickup to work, said his wife. A longtime West Seattle resident, he also enjoyed long walks on Alki Beach. He also enjoyed fine dining, hearkening back to time he spent in Italy.
His wife said that even when it became clear doctors could do no more for him, he was upbeat.
"He said, `Life is such a gift, And I have been able to live life to the fullest.' "
In addition to his wife, Mr. Haggerty is survived by sisters Phyllis Riley of Afton, Minn., and Helen Sell and Alice Mulvihill, both of Rochester, Minn., and brother Denis Haggerty of St. Charles, Ill.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave. Remembrances may be sent to the Joseph R. Haggerty Scholarship Fund, 9223 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle, WA 98136.