John Hagan

John Albert Hagan completed his 70 year journey on Earth and began his eternal journey in Heaven on Sunday, February 4, 2018. John’s journey began in St. Johnsbury, VT on September 22, 1947. He lived for a stretch in California while his father was stationed there in the Navy before he returned to St. Johnsbury where he graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School with the class of 1965. He served honorably in the Navy from 1965-1969 as an Opticalman. He was aboard the USS Yosemite #AD19, a destroyer tender. When he wasn’t aboard ship he’d hitchhike home on the weekend from Newport, RI to spend time with the love of his life. He married his bride, Marie Bedard, on October 26, 1968. John’s most beloved employment was at Weidmann. He worked in many areas but was the most proud of his work as a manual machinist, which he was exceptionally good at. He retired after 35 years. He had previously worked for the Town of St. Johnsbury, Lawrence Sand Gravco, and Marden Industries. John and Marie created and raised three children from whom they gained their four beloved grandchildren.

John very much valued faith, family and the “Crow Hill way”. John was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Church, sitting in his seat at the back of the Church every Saturday for the four o’clock mass and assisting with the collection regularly. While raising his children, John led numerous hikes for his boys’ Boy Scout Troop #7 including two 50-milers and all the shorter preparation hikes. He assisted with other events such as their Pinewood Derbies, even the one poorly scheduled on a Superbowl Sunday. He coached softball for his daughter’s team and was always his children’s biggest and most dedicated fan for sporting events, which also continued on when his grandchildren started playing sports. He always helped his friends and neighbors, whether it was plowing, shoveling, repairing anything, or just doing something that someone needed, especially during a difficult time. John loved to get up early before the sunrise and start puttering, working on a project, cutting wood (didn’t matter if it was -20), taking a walk in the woods or if it was deer season he’d be hunting at the Lawrence’s. He loved the outdoors and shared that love with the children. He’d slow life down so they’d notice and enjoy the simple things, the leaves, the animals, and the fresh air.

John is survived by his bride of 49 years, Marie, his children Michael (Cynthia Achilles) of Danville, VT, Karl (Nanette Siperly) of Urbana, OH, and Carolyn (Christopher Haggett) of Lyndonville, VT, his four precious grandchildren Caitlin, Aiden, Brooke, and TJ, siblings Frank (Evelyn) Hagan of Bethlehem, NH, Catherine (Harry) Light of McLean, VA, Barbara (Joseph) Pattison of Oley, PA, and Vivian (Robert) Cullen of Tucson, AZ, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, his Weidmann family, and very close friends Frank and Ann Lawrence, Goldie Bourgeois, Patti Barrett and many more.

John was pre-deceased by his parents Francis (Frank) Hagan and Catherine Cyr, his special Grampa Cyr, infant brother Richard, and special friends Wil Bourgeois and Tom Barrett.

Calling hours will be held at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury on Thursday, February 8th from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church on Main Street in St. Johnsbury at 11am on Friday, February 9th followed by a reception at the Fr. Lively Center catered by John’s favorite gathering place, Tim’s Deli. A special and important note from John is “Wear comfortable clothes, whether that’s a suit or jeans and flannel shirt. Just make sure you are comfortable.”

Memorial contributions in John’s name can be made to Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice, 165 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or online at www.nchcvt.org/giving or to Green Mountain Conservation Camp Endowment Fund online at https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/Donation or by calling 802-828-1460. The hospice program was the reason John’s family could fulfill his wishes to return home and enjoy life throughout his final weeks and moments. The Green Mountain Conservation Camp provides hunter safety camps and courses for children, which are both things John loved in life.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.