Robert Dean Haggett, born May 19, 1937, passed away peacefully August 4, 2024 surrounded by loved ones in Batavia, New York.
Bob “Bobo” was the son of the late Charles and Doris Haggett of Bath, Maine and husband to the late Lucie Haggett of Brunswick, Maine.
He is survived by his brother William Haggett and sister-in-law Sally Haggett of Bath, Maine; his son, Jeffrey Haggett and daughter-in-law, Lynn Haggett of Urbandale, Iowa, his daughter, Jane Paladino and son-in-law David Paladino of Batavia, New York, and daughter Julie Conley and son-in-law Thomas Conley of Burlington, Massachusetts. Bob was the proud grandfather to Charles, Benton, Grayson, Danny, Bo, and Sarah. He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. For Bob, “family is everything!”
Bob received his elementary and secondary education in the Bath School District. “Morse High, Morse High, Ra-Ra-Ra!” There, he was a 3-season athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball and served on student council and yearbook committee. He played a vital role in class reunions and was always so proud of his hometown. He attended Colby College, following in his brother’s footsteps and graduated with a degree in Economics. Bob and Lucie (Philippon) were married in 1960 after being set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Bob joined the U.S. Army, trained in Arizona and was stationed later in Heidelberg, Germany, joined by Lucie. Neither one of them was ever afraid of a new adventure.
Bob’s role in the Personnel Department of the US Army led to a lifelong career in Human Resources. He worked numerous manufacturing companies during his career: Oxford Papermill in Rumford, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire, Mead Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton Industries in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Special Metals, in New Hartford, New York. His passion was union negotiations and training. During his retirement years along the Saco River in Biddeford, Maine, Bob was a substitute teacher and donned the nicknames “Grandpa Kickball” in PE class and “Mr. Charmin” while monitoring the restrooms.
With every re-location, Bob and Lucie dove deep into the social scene and established lasting friendships. They both enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, golf, cross-country skiing, and honoring cocktail hour daily. Bob also was involved in numerous clubs and committees like the local Rotary and Elks Clubs, enjoying the roll of Grand Poo-Bah a couple of years.
Of upmost importance in Bob’s life was his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the reason for life. Bob had a knack for writing poems for special events, which always had rhyming stanzas and occasionally involved the entire crowd singing along. Not only was he a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, but he was a fierce competitor from cribbage to horseshoes. As he aged and found himself on the sidelines, he was sure to have badminton set up to cheer on his grandchildren. It made him giddy to create scavenger hunts and watch his children prepare for cycling events. “How far did you go today? I think you had some gas left!” Bob always made connections with family members, friends, and even strangers. There was a special place in his heart for true Mainers but could always find a way to connect with all. Bob was loving, was loved, and will always have a place in our hearts.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service.
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements for Bob were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
