James Douglas Haigney passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, in Hudson, N.Y., after a long struggle with heart and kidney disease. He was 75.
Born on April 24, 1948, to Millicent and Douglas Haigney Sr., he grew up in Rye, N.Y.
He spent his entire career with the Westchester County Department of Public Works, as a Certified New York State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Rye and Mamaroneck. He was respected and valued for his hard work and over 30 years of dedicated service.
Doug, as he was known, had a passion for animals, family, neighbors, and cars. He spent hours tinkering with cars and discussing the merits of various models.
His cats — Nicky, Sammy, and Baby — were his constant companions.
One of the Haigney family’s favorite childhood stories about Doug is the day he collected dozens of Monarch butterflies from behind the Milton Point Firehouse. He wanted to surprise his father. When he got home, he opened his shirt and dozens of butterflies flew out, prompting him to announce he had struck gold!
He was always ready with a joke or a tall tale. He was so generous, his family said, that when he died, he literally had nothing left to give because he had given everything away.
He was the cherished husband of Jenny Yannuzzi, who died in 2017. He is survived by his siblings, Peter, William, and Patricia, and their spouses. He had a special place in his heart for his five nieces and nephews, as well as his seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
A wake will be held for Doug Haigney and his sister, Sue, who died November 2, at Graham Funeral Home on December 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held December 9 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection. Donations in Doug Haigney’s memory may be made to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
