David F. Haley, 78

GILFORD — David F. Haley, 78, passed away at home on March 3, 2025, after a long illness.

David was born Oct.r 11, 1946, in Hingham, Massachusetts, to the late Thomas and Virginia Haley.

David grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts, where he attended Archbishop Williams High School, class of 1964. He was an all-state athlete and member of the 1960s football teams that won three consecutive state championships.

David was recruited by coach Ara Parseghian to play for the University of Notre Dame and was a member of their 1966 national championship football team, which remains a cherished memory. Following college, David served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Upon discharge he moved to New Hampshire, and began a successful 50-year career in the insurance and bonding business in the Lake Winnipesaukee region. His spare time was spent enjoying hiking the mountains and trails of New Hampshire and working his cherished bird dogs grouse hunting in the New Hampshire North Country.

David’s greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, Janet, his children, his beloved dogs, the circle of friends in the Gilford/Laconia area, as well as childhood friends from high school and college, sharing memories of growing up in the 1950s and '60s when life seemed simpler ... like “Ozzie and Harriet” and “Leave it to Beaver” when mom would call you home for supper by ringing a cowbell in the neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janet; son David Haley of Hampton; daughters Nicole Haley of Laconia, and Brooke Cote and husband Mark of Manchester; granddaughters Haley and Allison; brothers Thomas Haley Jr. and his wife Judy of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and John Haley and his wife Carol of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and sister Suzanne Dowd and her husband Tom of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by Betty Ann Leahy, mother of his three children; stepson Eric Hanover and his wife Marsha of Northfield; and related children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at a later date at St. Paul’s Church in Hingham, Massachusetts.

The family suggests donations in David’s memory be made to the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH 03249, for community outreach. Please write “David Haley Memorial” in the memo line.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.