July 14, 1926 — May 29, 2022
Bernard J. Hagan, Jr, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, formerly of Manchester and Weare, New Hampshire, Vero Beach, Florida, and Reading, Massachusetts, died peacefully in hospice care on Sunday, May 29, 2022.
Born on July 14, 1926, in Somerville, Massachusetts, he was the loving son of the late Bernard J. Hagan, Sr, and Winifred (Fitzpatrick) Hagan. He leaves a legacy of faith and family that shall live on in his spirit.
Raised in Quincy, MA Bernie moved to Reading during his senior year in high school and upon graduating from Reading High, enlisted in the United States Navy. During World War II, Bernie proudly served his country as a combat Naval veteran in the South Pacific – an experience which would shape the tenets of his life, and specifically the importance of holding to what he believed to be “the harder right over the easier wrong”.
Upon leaving the Navy after WWII, Bernie studied Management at Boston College and after graduating became a fiercely loyal BC alum – along with a small group of lifelong friends. He also embarked upon a career at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, where he worked in various management positions for over 30 years.
After graduating from BC, Bernie became the faithful and adoring husband of his soul mate, “Peg”. For the balance of his life, his beloved Peg was the central figure of his world, and together they provided a family life replete with happiness and joy. His children are the grateful beneficiaries of countless opportunities provided to them by the love, tireless work, and commitment of their parents.
Bernie was also the consummate ‘do-it-yourselfer’ and had scores of projects on his ‘to do’ list. Throughout his life, Bernie loved working in his yard – where together with his children – he would exchange ideas and philosophies that were the challenges and opportunities life held for them.
Bernie was a person of profound optimism and faith. He was immensely proud of the family he raised and he instilled the values of conviction, perseverance, and selflessness. He carried his life with humility, and he will be greatly missed.
Bernie leaves a legacy of family which include his daughters; Maura E. Hagan and husband Jeffrey Forbes of Carlsbad, CA and Longmont, CO, Winifred M. Hagan of North Kingstown, RI, Paula A. Hagan of Treasure Island, FL, and his sons Bernard J. Hagan, III and his late wife Pamela (Dager) of Vero Beach, FL and Hampton, NH, Joseph M. Hagan and wife Kimberly (Capobianco) of Reading, MA, J. Fitzpatrick Hagan and wife Jody (Griffith) of Weare, NH. His life and his faith also serve as an example to his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Bernie was predeceased by his daughter, Dr. Margaret M. Hagan, MD, UMass Medical, whose memory he carried daily.
A funeral Mass celebrating Bernie’s eternal life will be held on Friday, June 3rd at 10:00a at St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, MA. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories on Friday from 8:30a-9:30a in the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St., Reading, MA. Interment will be at Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading, MA
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Bernie’s name to Catholic Charities, 37 North Federal Street, Lynn, MA 01905.
