CHARLES “BUD” HAGAN
WESTFIELD – Westfield State announces the passing of Charles “Bud” Hagan, who served the university for 34 years as a coach, athletics director and registrar. Most notably, he played a pivotal role in ushering in the modern era of intercollegiate athletics as the university’s first full-time athletics director. He was 86.
From 1956 to 1962, Hagan coached the Westfield State baseball and basketball teams, was a physical education instructor, and directed the intramurals and varsity athletics programs.
Hagan was the Dean of Men and served for many years as registrar at Westfield State before his retirement in 1990.
He was a member of the Westfield State Athletics Hall of Fame Committee since its inception in 1994, serving the first three years as chairperson, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2006, the Woodward Center lobby was named the Charles “Bud” Hagan Westfield State Athletics Hall of Fame in his honor.
Last year, Westfield State honored Hagan and his son Jim – a Westfield State alumnus and former chairman of the Board of Trustees – at the dedication of Westfield State University baseball field. The field is now named the “Bud and Jim Hagan Field.”
Charles “Bud” Hagan, right, unveils a plaque in his honor as Westfield State dedicated its new Athletics Hall of Fame area in the Woodward Center front lobby during the 2006 Alumni Weekend. Also pictured, left to right, are: Dr. Arthur Jackson, former Westfield State vice president of student affairs, and three members of Bud Hagan’s family: son Jim, granddaughter Mairead, and wife Kathy.
Hagan’s Westfield roots run deep. He 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.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen (O’Rourke), their children, James Hagan and Nancy Healey, and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sheila Hagan Meyer, and his grandson, Christian Meyer.
Calling hours will be Monday, Jan. 20 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.at Firtion Adams Funeral Home. The service is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westfield.
The family has asked that donations in his memory may be made to the Charles “Bud” Hagan Memorial Baseball Fund in care of Westfield State Foundation, P.O. Box 1630, Westfield, MA 01086-1630.
