Dr. Charles "Charlie" Haigh

Dr. Charles Haigh, 81, of Milford, Ct, beloved husband of 35 years to Patricia Brennan, passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on May 3, 2021. Born on October 29, 1939 in Paterson, NJ, to the late Wallace G. and Myrtle Haigh. He was predeceased by his brother Wallace Haigh of Virginia Beach, VA. 

Charlie was the proud father of two children, Michael C. (Wendy) Haigh and Charles E. (Lauren) Haigh, three grandchildren Ashley (Tom) Stanton, Philip (Melissa) Haigh, Charles Jayden “CJ” Haigh and three great grandchildren Joey, Jaxon and Faith, Stanton all of New York State.

After graduating high school in Fair Lawn, NJ in 1957, he enlisted in the US Navy where he attained the rank of Quartermaster (Petty Officer Second Class). Of the 3 ½ years he served, 2 of those were aboard the USS Thomas J. Gary (a destroyer escort) operating in the North Atlantic Barrier.

Upon completion of his military service, he worked in several professions, until 1965 when he began a 26-year career with the Milford, CT Police Dept. His law enforcement career included assignments in the Patrol, Detective, and Training Divisions. During this time he was awarded the Department’s Meritorious Service Medal, the Medal of Merit, the Bronze Medal along with 11 individual commendations for excellence in Law Enforcement. He was subsequently appointed to the rank of Sergeant and assigned as Training Officer.

His interest in training Police Officers soon had him involved in gaining state certification for the Milford Police Recruit Training Program, this in turn enabled Milford to conduct Basic Officer Training for their officers and others in surrounding communities. He held the position as Director of Training until his retirement in 1991.

Charlie was a man who loved education and pursued it for himself and encouraged it in others. He began his college studies early in his career by enrolling in the Criminal Justice Program offered at the University of New Haven in 1967. He subsequently attained an Associates, Bachelors and Masters degree in this discipline. He also acquired a sixth year degree in Educational Administrators from Fairfield University, and culminated his formal education by completing a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Management at the University Of Bridgeport in 1989.

While still working in the Milford Police Department he was appointed as an adjunct professor in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven and served at that institute for 15 years. At that same time, he was an instructor at Housatonic Community College.

Upon retirement from the Milford Police Dept. in 1991, Dr. Haigh joined the Criminal Justice Program at Central Connecticut State University. As well as instructing undergraduate courses, he was instrumental in helping to develop the Masters of Science degree in the Criminal Justice Degree program. He retired from teaching at the University in 2001 and was presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the University. He was also listed in the 1996-1997 Who's Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education.

Charlie belonged to the Milford Elks #1589 - where as an officer he had chaired the investigation committee, the scholarship committee and was involved in serving the organization. Following in the footsteps of his father he was a 32 degree Mason and belonged to Ansantawae #89 Milford, CT as the lodge historian until his health precluded him from this role. He was also a member of the Milford PBA.

Prior to his illness, he was an active member of the First United Church of Christ Congregational where he served on the Board of Deacons, helped with Personnel Committee, Stewardship and frequently ushered. His involvement with the Church resulted in numerous friendships that extended beyond the church.

Charlie was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in Milford's Recreation League, Senior League at the Orchards and other area golf courses. He loved to read and enjoyed sharing stories, exchanging experiences and ideas through good conversations. He particularly loved his summer vacations in Maine and a good hot dog.

Despite the health challenges he endured over these many years, some that prevented him from participating in many activities he once loved, he never lost his sense of humor and he remained a kind and gentle partner to his wife.

Funeral Services will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie's memory to First United Church of Christ, 34 West Main St Milford, CT 06460 or The Connecticut Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd Branford, CT 06405.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. Charles "Charlie" Haigh, please visit our Tree Store.