Paul N. Haggerty

Paul N. Haggerty, a dedicated public servant of over a half century, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his home in Lyndhurst. Paul who was better known as "Haggs" by everyone.

He was married to his wife, Karen Haggerty, of 43 years, where they had celebrated their anniversary two days prior to his passing. At the young age of 11, Paul became obsessed with radio communications, and so began his pursuit of a lifelong career in public safety through communications. Paul started his public safety career as a volunteer first-aider with the Lyndhurst Police Emergency Squad, and shortly transferred to volunteering with the Lyndhurst Fire Department; making history as one of the department's first members to be accepted after the township lowered its age requirement for membership to accept 19 year old applicants.

Years later, Paul officially began his career as a police officer with the Lyndhurst Police Department in 1982, and he elevated through the ranks, where he retired as Captain in 2012. Paul remained an active member with the township's fire department and held the position of Emergency Management Coordinator at the time of his passing. Paul's passion for radio engineering and communication built him a legacy of notoriety that made him well known for his passion to help neighboring communities near and far with their communications infrastructure.

In his personal time, he co-founded Jersey Coastal Alert Emergency Services in 1972, who's mission was to provide emergency communication to augment public safety professionals in times of severe weather, natural or man made disasters. Paul was a staple at the Colonial Diner and his shiny yellow pickup truck made him a township standout.

Paul's legacy of public service continues to live on through his two sons, Paul Francesco, also a Lyndhurst Police Captain, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and current Chief of Department with the Lyndhurst Volunteer Fire Department and Nicholas Haggerty, a Bergen County Sheriff's Officer and former chief of the Lyndhurst Volunteer Fire Department. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Paul Joseph and Brielle Haggerty, brother Brian, daughter-in-law Corrine, and Nick's fiancé Kelly. He is preceded by his parents, Paul Brendan and Elaine Haggerty.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025 from 4:00pm-8:00pm in Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, Lyndhurst NJ. A mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at 9:45am in Mt. Carmel Church, Lyndhurst. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Lyndhurst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering in Paul's honor.