William Haggerty Obituary

William "Brandon" Haggerty, 32, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025 in his mother's arms surrounded by his parents. He was born on September 7, 1992 to his parents Shirley A. Pennington and William C. Haggerty.
Brandon came into this world 10 weeks early and as a result had a variety of medical issues. No one ever knew the battle he fought as he would always have a smile on his face. He was a beautiful soul who was loved beyond measure by all who knew him.
He attended KCCS and eventually graduated from Dover High in June of 2014. He then started attending the day program at Easter Seals which became a home away from home. During his time there he made so many friends and enjoyed his time with the staff. One special friend that he met along the way was Amanda Bozman who became his favorite redhead.
Brandon had many interests in life such as routing for the Baltimore Ravens, cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies, NASCAR, Music of all types from country to rap, and listening to all the fire calls on his scanner.
Brandon also loved harness racing which was something that was introduced to him by his Dad, Billy. At a young age Brandon would love to go to the barn and watch his Dad take care of the horses. He loved to watch the races on his computer as well as go in person. He was well known by all the drivers and would chat with them when he saw them along the fence. He could tell you all the drivers names, along with what he thought about how they drove, when they came out to prepare for their races. He loved just getting the opportunity to spend time with his Dad and brother and bet on some horses. Some of his best times were at the racetrack, especially when his Dad had one of his horses in a race.
Brandon had a love for the fire service as well and was a member of Bowers Fire Company as well as Frederica Fire Company. He loved bingo nights when he would chat with his many friends, flirt with the ladies, and always ask to see his hero Willie Trowbridge whom he loved dearly. He was also made an Honorary Member of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighter's Association by his long time friend Harold Brode.
Brandon made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a true warrior and never let his disabilities stop him from enjoying his life. He fought many battles with his health and still had that wonderful smile on his face. Many are devastated by his loss and will miss him so much it hurts.
Brandon is survived by his father William C. Haggerty, his mother Shirley and Stepfather Phillip Pennington, Sr., who stepped into his "Dad" role with love and dedication, his sisters Alyssa Pennington, with whom he had an unbreakable bond as she helped to care for him, and Jenna Phillips, his brothers Justin Haggerty, Steven Collins (Tiffany), Phillip Pennington, Jr. (Brooke), Adam Pennington (Brandy), and Tyler Pennington (Maryellen),his Aunt Lida Villanueva, his Uncle Kevin Haggerty (Brittany), his grandmother Karen Haggerty, grandfather Lee Jackson, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also had a special bond with his adopted nephew Brendon who always called him "B".
Brandon was predeceased by his Stepmother Ann Haggerty who took on the task of caring for a Special Needs child without hesitation and cared for him as if he were her own, his grandfather Harold D. Spayd, his grandfather William W.Haggerty, his grandparents Jackie and George Kaercher, his grandparents Eddie and Mary Pennington(Jackson), his Aunt Patricia Moyer, Great grandparents William and Vivian Haggerty, and Great grandparents Albert and Evelyn Harper.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to any of the following:
Bowers Fire Company 3285 Main Street, Frederica DE 19946
Frederica Fire Company PO Box 283, Frederica DE 19946
Kamp Lenape 3249 Misstate Road, Felton DE 19943
A. I. DuPont Hospital 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington DE 19803
A visitation will take place at the Bowers Fire Company, 3285 Main Street, Frederica, DE 19946 on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The funeral service will follow at 1 PM. Interment after the service will be at Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, 6486 Bay Road, Frederica, DE 19946.
This will be a full fireman's funeral and we ask that if you are not dressed in uniform that you come casual but wear your Ravens colors to honor Brandon's favorite team.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.