Henry W. Hagen

Henry W. Hagen, 93

Henry W. Hagen, of High Bridge, NJ died due to complications from the Coronavirus on Wednesday April 8, 2020.  He was born in Jersey City in 1927 and moved to High Bridge in 1933 at the age of 6, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was the son of the late Henry Hagen and Clara (Haldenwang) Hagen.

He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth J. Hagen, who passed away in 2018, and his son, James V. Hagen, who passed away in February of this year.

Henry graduated from High Bridge High School in 1944.  Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II.   Upon his discharge from the Navy he held various positions with the Jersey Central Railroad, Union Carbide Co., and BASF Wyandotte Company,where he retired after 33 years of employment.

Throughout his life he was an active member of the High Bridge Community.   He served aspolice commissioner for 5 years, Town council member, volunteer fireman for 33 years and served as secretary for the Exempt Fireman’s Association for another 18 years, member of the planning board, 20 year president of the High Bridge Alumnae Association, active member of St Joseph’s church, volunteer for the St Joseph’s CCD program for 35 years, member of the Knights of Columbus, and The American Legion of High Bridge, serving on their Veterans Memorial Committee.  He was also very involved in youth sports programs, having founded the High Bridge Junior Basketball League, which he ran from 1964 -1986.  He was a coach with High Bridge Little League from 1962 - 1974.  He was also a long-term member of the Union township and Bethlehem Township senior citizens clubs.

Henry had a wide range of interests and talents. He was a promising high school athlete and played baseball for the Tri-County League in the late 1940’s where he was being scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies until a broken leg ended his playing days.  He loved music, was a member of the NJ Jazz Association and learned to play the piano after his retirement.  He often attendedBroadway musicals and concerts.   He was an avid reader, particularly of US history.  He also loved gardening (tomatoes) and cooking (pasta).  Henry was an avid fan of the NY Yankees, NY Giants, NY Knicks and UConn girl’s basketball.  After his retirement he enjoyed travelling with his wife, particularly to Ireland and Germany.  

Survivors include his sons; Edward W. Hagen and his wife Susan of Indialantic, FL, Patrick J. Hagen of Forks Twp., PA, Thomas P. Hagen of High Bridge, NJ, his daughter, Maureen A. Hagen and her husband Neil Stoddard of Hopkinton, MA, Four grandsons; Justin Hagen, Brian Hagen and his wife Lauren, Ian Stoddard and Connor Hagen and one granddaughter, Katherine Stoddard.  Three great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.  Henry is also survived by his deceased son’s significant other Kathy Petty of High Bridge, NJ.

***A Memorial Mass has been planned for Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 12pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 59 Main Street, High Bridge, NJ.   A reception will immediately follow at the VFW, 179 E. Main Street, Glen Gardner, NJ. *** 

Donations may be made in his name to the World Health Organization’s COVID -19 response fund, or to the High Bridge Fire Department.

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