George S. Haggerty

JACKSONVILLE- George S. Haggerty, 81, died Friday, June 2, at his home surrounded by his family. George was born in Bridgeport, CT on June 5, 1941 the son of the late Michael and Florence (Higgison) Haggerty, and attended Connecticut schools.
In his earlier years, George owned and operated his own automobile repair and service center, specializing in MGs in Connecticut. He then went on to teach auto mechanics at an industrial arts school in Stamford, CT.
Upon moving to Vermont, he and his wife Mary opened Folk Craft Music, specializing in Appalachian dulcimers. During his retirement, he taught at the Putney School, where he taught the students not only to play the dulcimer but also to build them. Aspiring from his love of music, George started and directed August Dulcimer Daze, a music festival for over 30 years.
George loved racing Triumph cars in his earlier years, was a motorcycle enthusiast, and loved his two BMW motorcycles, one with a side car. He collected black powder muzzle loaders and participated in Revolutionary War reenactments.
Most of all, he cherished the time spent with his family. George is survived by his wife Mary (Newman) Haggerty whom he married February 6, 1970 in Norwalk, CT; children Michael Sean Haggerty (Nancy Clause) of New Salem, MA, Darcy West (Dale) of Townshend, and W. Kevin Haggerty of Searsburg; and grandchildren Andrew and Conor Haggerty and Bryson West.
A time of visitation for George will be held Saturday, June 17, from 2 to 4 pm at Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, 44 East Main Street, Wilmington.
If friends desire gifts in George’s memory may be made to August Dulcimer Daze, c/o Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.