James M. Haglund, 47, of Worcester, died Friday July 18th in his home surrounded by his family and friends after a 17 month fight with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

   He leaves his wife of 20 years, Dolores J. "Dorrie" (Didonna) Haglund; two children, Matthew J. Haglund and Kristina E. Haglund, both of Worcester; three sisters, Carol A. Grindley and her husband, Walter of Millbury, Jayne M. Leardi and her husband, George of Worcester and Nancy J. Augusto and her husband, John of Worcester; a brother-in-law, James Direnzo of Sutton; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and two aunts. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert T. Haglund, Stephen C. Haglund and a sister, Kathryn L. Direnzo.

   Mr. Haglund was born in Worcester, son of the late Karl E.T. Haglund and Priscilla G. (Litchfield) Haglund and has been a Worcester resident all of his life. He graduated from Worcester Vocational School in 1979. James served his country proudly with the United States Marine Corp, he later continued that service with the United States Marine Reserve for several years.

   He had worked for 19 years as an Iron Worker for Regis Steel Corp of R.I. Most of the construction projects that James worked on were in Boston and were very vast in size, such as the Big Dig. James was a member of Local # 7 International Union of Ornamental Iron Workers in Boston. He previously worked side by side with his brother, Robert for his paving company, R. Haglund Paving Company and for Sutton Paving Company for several years.

   James loved life and helping people, no matter what the problem was, he was insight with helping hands. He was a devoted husband, father, son and best friend to many. He enjoyed the many beautiful beaches of the southern coast of Maine; he loved going to the Theater in Boston with his wife, Dorrie or just simply going out to have dinner with his family each weekend.

   Relatives and friends are invited to visit with James's family on Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:00-9:00 PM in the Britton- Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd with a funeral Mass at 10 A.M. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Contributions in James's memory can be given to Merkel Cell Cancer Research, by going to its website www.merkelcell.org.