Leonard Haggerty, Roseville

Politician loved public service

Mark Hicks / The Detroit News

Whether serving as a mayor, city councilman, or a Macomb County commissioner, Leonard Haggerty considered the residents he worked for.

"He was always serving the people, doing whatever he could to make Roseville and Macomb County better places to live," said his wife, Roseville City Councilwoman Jan Haggerty. "He loved people and helping people."

Mr. Haggerty died from cancer Monday, Oct. 26, 2009. He was 89.

Born June 23, 1920, in Quebec, he came to Metro Detroit at age 4. After graduating from St. Anthony in Detroit, he trained at an engineering school.

During World War II, Mr. Haggerty served in the U.S. Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945, he was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, and was a bodyguard to Gen. George S. Patton, according to Detroit News archives.

Returning to the United States, Mr. Haggerty became an administrative engineer for the Detroit Public Schools board, his wife said.

In 1957, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Roseville Village Commission. He was elected to a four-year City Council term when Roseville became a city in 1958, won two other terms and also served as mayor pro-tem, according to Detroit News archives.

In 1975, he was elected mayor of Roseville.

"He was one ball of energy," his wife said, describing his time in office. "He was charismatic... Everyone wanted to be around him."

After losing his bid for re-election in 1981, he retired to Florida.

At a colleague's request, Mr. Haggerty returned and ran for Macomb County commissioner in 1998. He served through last year.

"He'd be the first to give you his true and honest perspective," said Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel, who knew him through the board for more than a decade. "He was the voice of reason. ... He had a calming effect on the board."

His longevity and service proved helpful in distinguishing him to voters. In 2004, when facing off against 92-year-old opponent Beulah Sattley, Mr. Haggerty had a campaign slogan: "Vote for the young guy."

Describing his service to The News in 2008, Mr. Haggerty said: "I've enjoyed all of it. I've enjoyed working with the people in this community over the years."

Outside of politics, Mr. Haggerty was an avid woodcarver, tennis player and walker.

"He could walk 5-10 miles a day," his wife said.

Other survivors include daughters Patricia, Shirlee and Kelly; and son, Macomb County Charter Commissioner James Haggerty.

Visitation is 3:30-9 p.m. Thursday and 2-9 p.m. Friday at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot, Roseville. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Donald Parish, 16330 E. 12 Mile, Roseville.