Dr. Robert Ray Haglund Sr., a giant of a man who filled every room he entered with his humor and kindness, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on March 20, 2017. Born and raised in Brockton, Doc Haggie, as he was fondly known, practiced dentistry in his hometown for over 40 years on Main Street. After graduating Brockton High School with the Class of 1963, he attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by the New Jersey College of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Haglund entered the U.S. Air Force as a Captain. After honorable discharge from the service, he returned to his hometown and opened his dental practice with his wife Diane. He and his wife retired a few years ago, much to the dismay of his loyal patients, and moved to Naples, Florida.
Dr. Haglund was a longtime communicant of St. Theresa’s Maronite Church in Brockton, where he was once an altar boy. Proud of his Lebanese-American heritage, Dr. Haglund was a past-President of the Lebanese American Club in Brockton. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Massasoit Community College. He was involved in many community groups and organizations over the years, always taking on a leadership role and seeking ways to better the community he loved.
Dr. Haglund is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane, his high school sweetheart. His children Kelly (Haglund) Werder of Naples, Florida and Dr. Robert Haglund Jr. and his wife Stacey of Cornelius, North Carolina. Three grandchildren he adored, Mia, Parker and Colton. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred (Asiaf) Haglund, father Corwin Haglund and brother Joseph Haglund.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte. 123), Brockton, Saturday, April 22, 8:30-10 a.m., followed by a committal service in Calvary Cemetery 10:30-11 a.m. Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Theresa's Church, Main Street, Brockton, with lunch to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.