Edward Thomas Haggerty

Edward Thomas Haggerty, 83 years of age, The Villages, Florida, went to his heavenly home October 7, 2026. Tom was born on June 12, 1943 to Edward and Loretta (Stout) Haggerty in Dayton, Ohio, who both preceded him in death.

A 1961 graduate from Chaminade High School, Tom attended University of Dayton, Ohio (1962-1963) before earning his Associate's degree in Law Enforcement from Sinclair Community College. He trained in the United States Army Reserve from 1964 to 1970 before becoming an optician. Tom joined the Kettering Police Department in 1967, serving with distinction until his retirement as Captain on January 26, 1992. In the early 1970s, he was one of a select few patrol officers to log in 4,000 flying hours in a police helicopter. He also attended the FBI Academy to help the department achieve its first Law Enforcement accreditations in 1987.

Tom married the love of his life, Patricia Bender, on May 29, 1965. Together, they shared a vibrant life and traveled all over the United States and the world — with every destination proudly logged front-and-back on a cherished handwritten list. Tom was an avid runner who completed many 10K races, and he loved participating in and watching sports. He also loved listening to his huge record collection on his stereo.

Following his retirement, Tom and Pat built a home in Ramrod Key, Florida, where he happily tended to his and his neighbors’s landscaping and enjoyed golf, cards, listening to music, and platform tennis. In 2004, they moved to The Villages, Florida, where his active streak continued with even more golf, cards, and pickleball. Tom’s faith was a cornerstone of his life; he was a member at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Kettering, Ohio, an active member at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Big Pine Key, Florida, and a parishioner at St Mark the Evangelist Church in The Villages.

Tom lived a full life and touched everyone he met with his positive outlook and quick wit. Whether supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, or lending a hand to extended family and friends, he would do anything for the people he loved. He brought endless smiles and laughter to the world — though anyone who ever dared target Pat in a board game knew Tom was strictly out for retribution. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul, and while we will miss him dearly, we take comfort knowing he is smiling down on us until we meet again.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Patricia; his children, Christine (Chris) Wasson of West Chicago, Illinois, Amy Eason of Temperance, Michigan, Julie (Chris) Daub of Sylvania, Ohio, and Sean Haggerty of Lucama, North Carolina; his grandchildren, David (Parker) Eason II, Patrick Eason, Jacob Wasson, Anna Wasson, Gabrielle Daub, Tristan Daub, and Jocelyn Haggerty; and his great-grandchildren, David Eason III, Madelyn Eason, Maya Eason, Masyn Eason, and Archer Eason. He is also survived by his sister Eileen Arns; sister-in-law Carol Hillenbrand; brother-in-law Frank Hillenbrand; many cherished nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Pat Fields and Mary Young; brother-in-law, Howard Fields, Robert Young, David Arns; son-in-law, David Eason; granddaughter, Trinity Daub; and nephew, Edward Swift.

Funeral service to come.