Charles Hagan

WESTFIELD – Charles “Bud” Hagan, 1927-2014, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2014, at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke. Born in Westfield, MA, he was the son of Mary and Charles Hagan.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen M. (O’Rourke) Hagan; his daughter, Nancy Hagan of Apex, NC; son, James Hagan of Westfield, MA; and his son-in-law, Douglas Meyer of Newton, MA.   He also leaves behind two brothers, Walter Hagan of Westfield and Bernard Hagan of Southwick, and eight grandchildren, Stephanie and Cameron of Newton, MA, Declan of Oakland,CA, Claire, Ciara, and Ashlyn of Apex, NC and Mairead and James of Westfield, MA. Bud was predeceased by his daughter, Sheila Hagan Meyer and his grandson, Christian Meyer.

Bud was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track at Westfield High School. He played basketball and baseball at Arnold College, now the University of Bridgeport, and received his master’s degree from American International College. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Bud attended basic training in Sampson, NY, immediately after high school. Hagan then set sail for the South Pacific and served on the large ship tender, the Albemarle, and was stationed in the Philippines from 1945-1946. Upon his return to the States, Bud played baseball for one year in the River Valley League with Club 25. Bud was scouted and signed to play in the Dodger’s farm system for three years beginning in Class A ball in St. John, Canada. He was a standout pitcher and outfielder with the Dodgers. While in the Canadian Maritimes, Bud began his teaching and coaching career. He coached basketball and football at St. Patrick’s High School and basketball at King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During these years, he also played basketball in the Canadian Amateur League where he led Halifax to a second place finish in the Canadian Amateur Championships in the 1954-1955 season. During this season, Bud poured in a Canadian Amateur  record 42 points in one game.

Bud was employed for 34 years by Westfield State University. He ushered Westfield State into its modern era of intercollegiate athletics, serving as the first full time athletics director beginning in 1956, the year the college moved from its downtown location to Western Avenue. Bud wore many hats during his career at Westfield State. From 1956-62 he coached the baseball and basketball teams, was a physical education instructor, and directed the intramurals and intercollegiate athletics programs. Bud was the Dean of Men and later became the registrar at Westfield State until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the college’s athletics Hall of Fame committee since its inception, serving the first three years as chairperson. In honor of his long and distinguished career, the Westfield State University Athletics Hall of Fame was named in his honor in 2006. In April 2013, the baseball field at Westfield State University was named the Bud and Jim Hagan Field.

Bud enjoyed skiing, fishing and golf in his retirement years. His greatest enjoyment was teaching his grandchildren to swim and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church. The family would like to thank the Noble VNA and hospice for the great care and kindness that was given to him over the past year.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 20th from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Firtion-Adams funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St Mary’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Bud may be made to the Charles “Bud” Hagan Memorial Baseball Fund, Westfield State Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1630, Westfield, MA 01086-1630 or to the Noble VNA and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
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