1956 - 2019
Visitation
August 18, 20191:00pm - 4:00pm
Dolan Funeral Home
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Jeffrey Todd Haight of Dunstable
Jeffrey Todd Haight, 62, of Dunstable, MA died Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at his home. He was married to his best friend and sweetheart, Jean L. (Colt) Haight with whom he would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on December 13, 2019. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, he was the son of Josephine (Schwarzmann) Haight of Old Tappan, NJ and the late Kenneth Haight. He graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School of Old Tappan, NJ with the class of 1974; where he played soccer, and was a state champion pole vaulter. He furthered his education, graduating from the University of Maine with the Class of 1979 with a BS in forestry and from University of Lowell with the Class of 1985 with a MS in biology. He retired in 2014 from the Westford Public School System; where he taught biology at Westford Academy for 35 years. Jeff was involved in the WA Girls Soccer program for over 32 years, 16 of which as head coach. In 2018 he was inducted into the Westford Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a highly skilled furniture craftsman, repaired antique clocks, and loved to fish. He found great joy in helping others catch fish, especially on the four school trips to Yellowstone he chaperoned. Jeff loved spending time with his family and friends at their vacation home in Maine. In his younger years he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America; where he attained the rank of Life Scout. Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by four brothers, Joel and his wife, Avrill Haight of Boalsburg, PA, Roger and his wife, Jeannine Haight of Pennington, NJ, Gary and his wife, Dorothy Haight of Emerson, NJ, and Peter Haight of Cape Coral, FL; a sister, Nancy and her husband David Freshour of Lake Jackson, TX; a brother-in-law, David Colt of Peabody, MA; a sister-in-law, Pamela Marquis and her partner, Michael Zaborowski of Glastonbury, CT; an uncle, Craig and his wife, Betsy Haight; two aunts, June and Violet Schwarzmann; five nieces, Rebecca, Katherine, Kristen, Samantha, and Sarah; four nephews, Peter, Kenneth, Christopher and Ben and many cousins. Jeff was loved and admired by many for the caring and compassionate way he lived. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends and former students; but most fondly by “Team Jeff”, who lovingly helped care for him at home the last weeks of his life.
HAIGHT, Jeffrey T. Haight, of Dunstable, MA died Aug. 13, 2019. Visiting hours Sun. 1 to 4 P.M. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD. Private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made in his name to the Dunstable Rural Land Trust, 1070 Main St., Dunstable or Yellowstone Forever, PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
James Antonelli
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Jeff, you made a difference in the lives of so many. You have left us far too early and will be sorely missed. A consummate gentleman, an amazing teacher, a skilled coach and motivator, a friend!
We love you.
Renee Luttati
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My children were fortunate to be coached by Jeff during their years at Westford Academy. He was a wonderful role model for them. I am thankful that they were able to experience a compassionate, kind,and wonderful teacher.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Debbie Bailey
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Jeff, you were such a nice man and touched a lot of lives through the years. So sad to hear of your passing. Thinking of your family.
Sincerely Debbie Bailey
Ray Minchak
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Jeff;
I was happy and proud to have been your friend for lo these many years; all of them good. Jeannie and I will remember you as the bright light in the world that you always were in all of our lives. We will fish again my friend.
Love Raymond and Jeannie.
Dayna (Sateriale) Lederman
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Coach Haight was such an important figure to many students and athletes. I feel so lucky to have been coached by him. Coach Haight took that role seriously. He was more than a coach; he was a parental figure, a teacher, a friend. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed.
Cheryl Sateriale
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My daughter and her teammates were very fortunate to have Mr. Haight coach her soccer team. He held the bar high, while always providing them with the skills, encouragement and determination to be their best. Thank you for all you did for the students and families of Westford. Rest in peace Mr. Haight.
Genevieve (Jeani) Landry Randolph
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Mr. Haight was one of my all time favorite teachers at Westford Academy. I often stuggled with my studies, but he kept me on track and to this day is much appreciated! My condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.
Paul. Poisson
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I was lucky to have you as a co-teacher and friend. Your jokes were as bad as mine which made me laugh. You will be sorely missed at Mario’s on Friday mornings. Your warmth and smile will always be engraved in my mind and heart. I consider myself fortunate to have known you and Jean. Take care, my friend.
Sally Haberman
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My most sincere condolences to Jean and the entire extended family. Jeff was a wonderful caring and talented human being and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with him for many years.
Many good memories will help ease the pain of your loss.
Mark Staples
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I had Mr. Haight as my eighth and ninth grade science teacher. I still have the freshman science award he gave me in 1984. It was largely as a result of his influence, and so many other great teachers at WA, that I became a teacher myself. I was surprised he was so young when he was my teacher. Greatly saddened by this news.
Kate Reardon Hutchens
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I am deeply sorry for your loss Mrs. Haight. It’s a sad day for WA alumni. May wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Lee Ann Alden
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I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. When my son Will Alden was a Freshman, he traveled with Mr. and Mrs. Haight to Yellowstone- amazing experience and we were so fond of Mr. Haight. Please accept are deepest prayers.
The Alden family
Sharon (Collins) Heffernan
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Rest in peace Mr. Haight, you will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Haight, you were both great teachers! My condolences <3
Lisa Earl
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So sorry for your loss Jean, my prayers go out to you ?♥️
Gary Haight
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My dear brother Jeff
You are and always will be my inspiration and teacher of many things in my life. Your love and tenderness has inspired many people. Someone once said that if you have five good friendships in your life, you are a rich person. I know that you have surpassed that number many times over and it shows by all the broken hearts left behind. God speed my dear brother Jeff
Tara Day Barnhart
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Salt of the earth…big heart, impact on so many students at WA. Jeff led by example and was admired by so many. Sincere condolences to Jean and family. Tara (Day) Barnhart
Natalie Jones
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Jeff,
I will always remember your kindness as my clock ticks on. God bless you.
Julie Crocker
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Jeff J.J.,
May we meet rowing on Crawford Pond one day.
Love,
Julie
Roger Haight
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Dear brother Jeff,
You have enriched the lives of so many, not just in the classroom but together at Yellowstone, at the woodworking bench, in the fishing boat wherever it might be headed, at the clock bench, and at the lake house in Maine. You left us too soon, but you filled your life and the lives of others to the brim while you were with us. You could not have picked a more joyful partner in life than Jean, who cared for you so well throughout your days together and to the very end. And while we all mourn your loss, I know that our loving Dad is overjoyed to be the first one to welcome you on the other side.
Mark Lucey
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Jeff – what an amazing and talented man. A loving pair,Jeff & Jean. Gifted teacher,mentor and coach. You left us far to young but with so many gifts bestowed.
Janet Bryant
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Jeff and Jean both shared so much of their time and knowledge with the many students whose lives they touched. We shared some great times chaperoning cotillions, proms, and Senior trips.
Jeff will be remembered by many as a colleague, teacher, coach, and friend.
Jean, so sorry for your loss.
Jeff Reed
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Jeff, I remember you as little Jeff because I was big Jeff growing up on Charles Pl. Fun times in the woods by your house. Gods speed my friend.
Peace
Liz Hanley Beloli
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Mr Haight- I hope you received my email in which I told you how you were one of my favorite teachers and a great soccer coach. I also mentioned that I was praying for you —and I still am. I’m also praying for your wonderful wife ~ as I know she’ll need them now. I was so fortunate to know you. You were fun but firm and made a class I hated become one I liked. You were also a great coach! You’ll be missed!
Harry Gerostergios
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I didn’t know Mr. Haight as well as I could have, but I am a former student of his. He had an excellent sense of humor and wasn’t afraid to use it in class. Sometimes when us students had a spirited debate about something completely unrelated to what we were learning in class, Mr. Haight allowed it to happen & even got involved himself. I think he enjoyed taking a break and having a light hearted moment.
I know, in a good natured way, he enjoyed poking fun of some of us, including me! One particular person he enjoyed teasing was Mark Jarvis. I remember he did a detailed drawing of Mark’s face on the chalkboard, it was funny & pretty amazing!
That’s one of the things I most remember about Mr. Haight, he could draw very well…and not just Mark’s face. He used his talent to draw plants, animals and other things related to whatever topic he was covering. I tried drawing along with him in my notebook, and as a matter of fact….he’s one of the people I would attribute as a reason why I became an artist!
So long story short, thank you Mr. Haight! You were a great teacher & great human being! My condolences to the entire Haight family!
Phil Logsdon
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Jeff, you mentored my early teaching and coaching years with humor, sage advice, challenge, warmth and example. Every teacher, student and athlete in your sphere gained higher personal expectations and stronger determination to do things right. Thank you, and may God bless you as you have blessed us.
Jeannine Haight
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Dearest Jeff,
You were such a wonderful brother-in-law. With your warm, kind and gentlemanly demeanor you were always a joy to be with. You touched so many lives in such a positive way.
Rest in peace. We will forever love you and miss you but we know that your beautiful spirit will be with our family always. Love, Jeannine
Eric Key
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We are so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing.
Eric Key and Cynthia Silber.
Linda holstein stronge
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Jean, I never met Jeff but I was in the graduate program with you at Rivier , the class where we were writing creatively to understand the process. I remember your writing about hiking with your husband. I’m sorry for your loss…
Doug Sako
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Decades have passed since we were kids on Charles Place, but the friendships and memories created there are etched in our hearts forever.
Our mothers were best friends and the entire Haight family were like an extended family to me.
Heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family and to all who knew and loved him.
Rest In Peace Jeff.
Gary Smith
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My deepest condolences to the larger Haight family, in particular Mother Jo. Jeff was entering Scouts as I was leaving, but my recollection of him was that he was an avid learner of all the craft we had available to pass along. Jeff, you left us at far too tender an age but you are a blessing to all those you will now be joining on the “other side.” God speed.
Sharon (Key) Beals
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Condolences and love to the entire Haight family.
Richard Sturtevant
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I will miss you Mr. Haight you were a great fellow elder to me in WA. My Condolences to the Haight family.
Mary Westcott
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As a fellow associate, I could always count on Jeff to be a friend to a troubled student. Jeff loved kids. My condolences to Jean.
Kevin B. Martin
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Jean,
Our sincere condolences and regrets to you and your family.
Mike Parent
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Compassionate, caring and dedicated are the words that describe Jeff as both an educator and coach. A man of his word. Jeff will Rest In Peace knowing that he has influenced many lives and has served as a positive role model to many.
Les Hirsch
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RIP Jeff. Been a long time since we were teammates on the NVOT Track and Field team. We shared a magical season in that spring of ’74. Always a great competitor, but with a smile and ease that kept it all real.
Mike L
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I remember safety goggles, modifying the genome of bacteria, a field trip to a tree with a massive branch that our whole class could sit on at once, measuring the patterns of tree bark with graph paper, and so many other experiments and discussions in fascinating classes. Truly someone who cared about what he was teaching and who he was teaching.
Nonny Dagdigian- Bowe
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Coach Jeff Haight was my soccer coach (my four years at WA )and Biology teacher at Westford Academy. He was a great motivator and excellent teacher. He taught us so much, both on and off the field. I’ll never forget his pre and post game speeches and the kind manner in which he handled every situation.
I want his family to know that he left behind an incredible legacy in every student lucky enough to cross paths with him. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Jean, thinking of you, sending love hugs and prayers to you.
Cathy Coughlin
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Jean I just read this and am so sorry for your loss.
Aunt Vi & Schwarzmann Family
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Jeff-Forever Loved. Departing from this world & sadly missed. Your kindness & generosity leaves an imprint on all that you touched and shall remain in our hearts and minds- through us they will continue on. Treasured-precious memories-timeless You are an immeasurable loss
Kevin Regan
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Dear Jean-
Although I’ve known you and Jeff for many years, it’s been in the past few years that I’ll always treasure, since I got to know you and Jeff even better. Getting to work alongside you and Jeff on the WAAHOF Executive Board brought me to understand Jeff’s integrity, multiple talents, and his cerebral manner. He made an unrivaled impact in the town of Westford as an exemplary teacher, highly successful coach and “doer” of much good.
Your unconditional support and love for Jeff, especially during his valiant battle, was incredible. It’s said that behind every successful man is a great women. This is certainly the case with you and Jeff. The two of you made a “championship” couple.
Our deepest sympathy is with you and the extended Haight Family.
Kevin & Eva Regan & Family
Fran Latch
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Jeff – a wonderful friend, colleague at WA, and our “go to clock guy”. (Your fine tuning still ticks happily away all these later in our N.Conway home). Your dedication to your students was an inspiration to so many teachers you mentored and for whom you set a stellar example.
To Jean…..your loss is unimaginable. You were blessed with a wonderful life and love with Jeff!
Fran Latch
Lillian Lelless
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Your years as a teacher, colleague, and friend will not be forgotten. All that knew or had you will remember your caring, encouragement, and respect you gave them. The best couple because Jean is the same and all of your students were fortunate to know you. May his memory be eternal.
Beth N.
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I wish I could post the picture of a little post-it note that Mr. Haight left on my daughters car after an epic field hockey win. “Awesome Awesome Awesome! – your favorite AP Bio teacher”. Such a small act of kindness that lifted my girl up and made her feel special and supported by such a thoughtful human being. He inspired her love of science and helped to propel her into a successful future in medicine. I am thankful for the impact he made on her at such an impressionable and challenging age, and it sounds like he had that impact on many. Thank you Mr. Haight and May you rest is blissful peace.
Angel (Dunn) Jackson
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Mr Haight was my soccer coach and my Bio and AP Bio teacher. Though I have not seen him in more than 20 years I will never forget his kindness, his smile, the way he made learning biology so fascinating, the way he coached with a calm confidence and always saw the best in every person on the team. He noticed the small things, he always gave a reassuring smile. I will never forget identifying eye color in fruit flies or taking pictures of strawberries and walnut shells under a microscope. I will never forget working so hard at soccer and having him notice that I missed but tried really hard and did a little better than last time. His kindness and authenticity made a huge impact on me, my love of science, my desire to work hard at all I do and my hope that I can sit quietly and notice the small things others miss. I am sad he left this world so soon. May you rest and Peace; and Mrs. Haight may you be comforted in this time of loss.
Pam Marquis
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The tree guy…dancing with Becca dressed as a pirate in Maine…Jeff and I fishing together on Crawford Pond…teaching me how to refinish furniture…teaching Becca how to fish…the never-ending hike in Maine…handmade horse barn for Becca…these are but a few of the memories I have of “Uncle Jeff”…more of a brother to me but the best uncle my daughter could ever have. Jeff has been a guiding light to me and so many others lives he has touched. Jeff was truly a one-of-a-kind person. His love for Jean showed everyday, even when the “Colt girls” were together, he supported, taught and kept us in line. I will miss him everyday , but hope to live up to how he treated everyone and carry on his caring and supportive nature.
Garrett J. Barry Jr. aka Garry
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Everything seems to have been said.
The numerous accolades are all true.
Jeff was an outstanding person, husband, teacher, coach, craftsman and loyal friend.
Perhaps Rudyard Kipling said it best:
“By the living God that made you,
You’re a better man than I am
Gunga Din.”
Jennifer Martinson
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I always smile when I think of “Mr. Height”.
I was fortunate to know him as a student and
Later as a colleague.
Jean, my deepest condolences and love.
Julie Boland Ferguson
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Mr Haight was my Soccer coach and Biology lab teacher. He had such a positive impact on my life in too many ways to count. His integrity, humor, compassion, and ability to bring out the best in myself, his students and players has stuck with me for the thirty years since I’d seen him last. My thoughts and prayers go to Jean and the rest of his family. I am so very sorry for you loss.
Libby Porter
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Jean, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff was a shining light at WA.
Mike Zaborowski
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Jeff is was so sad to see you go this way but I admire you so much for your courageous fight against cancer and how you lived your life. You were always so helpful and kind with a great sense of humor no matter how tough things were for you. I wish there was more time. Rest is peace Jeff.
Robert Ware
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Jeff,
May you now Rest In Peace. You were always one that cared about our staff and students. A true gentleman. God Bless you and your family.
Anna Collins
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Mr. Haight’s AP biology class was always a highlight in my day at Westford Academy. I remember ways sharing a laugh and feeling empowered to learn in his class. I still have all of the newspaper clippings he cut out and laminated for me with my high school sports highlights, he will be greatly missed and never forgotten! Sending my deepest condolences
Dawn Hauser Stefan
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My heart goes out to Jean and Mr. Haight’s family. I have very fond memories of Jeff from school and the Soccer Team. He was a kind coach who saw the best in everyone. Jeff and Jean generously hosted the first Team Feed I had ever been to in their new home. I still cherish two special gifts he gave to each team member, a handkerchief from a trip he took and a a coin necklace charm he polished and carved to look like a soccer ball. I hope by understanding how many lives Jeff touched it may ease the pain of your sorrow.
Roger Haight
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I wish I had taken even one photo of the many necklaces we saw at the wake from the soccer team players. I had never known about them and I thought they were beautiful— and so like Jeff.
Shelagh Dolan
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Eleven years later and my friends and I who went on the trip to Yellowstone after graduation still reminisce and laugh about our memories there together. Mr. Haight, thank you for an unforgettable trip. I’ll be making a donation to Yellowstone Forever in your name. Mrs. Haight, I am so sorry for your loss and I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
Shelagh
Lee n Alfonso Albanese
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My wife and I didn’t know Jeff that well, but where very close to Gary and Dorathy for many years, they are all part of a wonderful family, God Bless them all, and God’s speed to Jeff, Rest in Peace.
David
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I knew Jeff when he was just starting teaching – and he continues to this day to be a great teacher.
Gerri Horan
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Jody and family — I’m so sorry for your loss.
Anjli Trehan
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My sincere condolence to the entire family. Jeff was a wonderful person and will be missed by many!