Timothy Richard Haggerty

There once was a man named Tim and we were very fond of him. Raised in upstate New York, born in Binghamton, he relocated to Arizona where he began his love of fixing cars and made many friends. Graduating from Catalina High School in 1967, he started his career in the grocery store business. He worked his way up to become the youngest store manager of Bayless. He also worked at Fry’s Food Stores for many years. Tim joined the Air National Guard and was stationed on Mt. Lemmon during the Vietnam War. The experience imprinted a fondness of the mountains on him. Following his death, Tim’s grandson had a poignant vision of him walking up a mountain, happy and free.

Tim, 75, is survived by devoted wife, Rhea Margaret “Peggy” Neil Haggerty, whom he met at their 35th High School Reunion and fell in love quickly. Both widowed, they married in 2003 and enjoyed visiting National Parks until Tim suffered a debilitating stroke in 2005 shortly into their marriage. They made a warm home with their dogs, turtles, and fish, where Tim paid close attention to the news and U of A sports. Peggy, a retired nurse, was his loving caregiver for 18 years until he passed away from long-term stroke and heart disease terminal effects.

Tim is also survived by his sons, Aaron and Bryan Haggerty, and stepchildren, Teresa Nowak (James), and John Neil (Kathryn). Tim and Peggy lived with grandchildren, James (Lauren) and great-grandson, Terrance Nowak at the time of his death. He also enjoyed spending time with his other grandchildren, Eleanor Nowak (Peter) McGraw; Peyton and Chase Neil; Bryanna Haggerty; Audrey and Emilie Haggerty and their mom, Melanie LaFave. Tim loved Peggy’s extended family and spent time vacationing and celebrating life together. Tim’s closest friend, Bob Rabb, will also miss him dearly.

Private observances will be held by the family. Arrangements by East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery in Tucson, AZ. Donations made in Tim’s name to the American Heart Association- Southern Arizona are appreciated. https://www.heart.org/