Online Obituary

The Freitag Funeral Home
	Kenneth W. Freitag Owner/Manager N.J. Lic. No. 3666 Christopher K. LaBree Funeral Director N.J. Lic. No. 4497 137 W. Commerce Street Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Phone: (856) 455-2600 Fax: (856) 455-2603

Matthew T. "Captain Matt" Haggerty

Retired Mold Maker

Matthew T. "Captain Matt" Haggerty, 89, of Fairton died Friday morning January 22, 2010 at The Cumberland Manor in Hopewell Township after a short illness.

The husband of Isabelle C. (nee Ceuleers) Haggerty, he was born in Philadelphia and was the son of the late John C. and Mary "Mamie" (nee Donovan) Haggerty. As an infant, he moved with his parents to Greenwich where he resided for 55 years. He had been a resident of Fairton since 1974.

Mr. Haggerty was a 1939 graduate of Bridgeton High School where he excelled as a member of the varsity baseball team. He continued his playing career after high school and played first base in leagues that were considered semi-pro. His jersey currently hangs in the SJ All Sports Hall of Fame in Bridgeton.

He served in the US Army-Air Force during World War II and was discharged in 1946 as a corporal. He was a former member of Shoemaker Post #95 American Legion.

For 42 years before retiring, Mr. Haggerty worked as a mold maker at the former Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Bridgeton.

He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. It was a proud moment when he received his captain's license and later owned and operated the "Prowler" party boat in Fortescue. As "Captain Matt" he spent many enjoyable days fishing on the Delaware Bay. He was a member of the Fortescue Captains Association.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by one daughter, JoAnn Fioresi and her husband Gary Sr. of Rosenhayn, one grandson, Gary P. Fioresi Jr. and his wife Danna of Rosenhayn and one great granddaughter, Gianna Fioresi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton on Monday January 25th at 11 o'clock.

Pastor Donald K. Harrington of the Berean Baptist Temple will officiate.

The burial will take place at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton.

Friends will be received at the funeral home Monday morning from 10 until 11.

Memorial contributions are suggested in Mr. Haggerty's memory to the Winchester Enrichment Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 168 Sunny Slope Drive, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.