Joseph Hagan

Joseph Hagan was born on June 21, 1935 to Dorothy (Lenahan) and H. Murray Hagan. He passed away peacefully on March 22, 2013. He was a brother, father, husband, and partner. With Mary Ann Hagan, he had 6 children: Donald Hagan (Debbie), Linda Poole (Bob), Debbie Stanley (Gene), Cliff Hagan (Cindi), Judy Hagan (Tim), and Scott Hagan (Jennifer). He was known as “Papa Joe” to his grandchildren: Sarah, Thomas, Michael, Katie, Mackenzie, Sean, Matthew, Nicholas, Laura, and Peter. He is survived by his 6 children, 10 grandchildren, his sisters, Margaret Connors and Sarah-jane Nedl, Dawn, his partner of over 30 years, and Dawn’s mother, Ruth Weierbach. A graduate of North Catholic High School, Joe served in the US Army, stationed in Germany with the 264th Field Artillery Battalion supporting the “Atomic Annie” cannons. He was proud of his brief time as an assistant to Mauchly and Eckert during their early work on the ENIAC computer and liked to tell his grandchildren that he was there at the beginning of the computer age. He went on to have a long career in real estate and home mortgage finance, founding and running several of his own companies for many years. He was a devoted fan of the Phillies and the Eagles, and even bore a striking resemblance to Dallas Green. Joe embraced his Irish heritage and especially enjoyed his many trips to Ireland -- talking with the locals, golfing at the Adare Championship Course, or relaxing at Cashel House in Galway. During one of his first trips, he took an opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone, although all who knew him would agree that he had little need to do so! There was no missing Joe on the road in his Lincoln Continental Town Car, acquiring his first one during a golf game. He’s been a proud owner ever since and you could usually find a container of peanut butter filled pretzels on the front seat. Joe took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, driving long distances to attend football games, never missing a Father-Daughter dance, and “hiking the hill” to support his son’s mortgage reform bill efforts. He wasn’t always on time for these events, but he made it! Joe was passionate about family, and could always be counted on in a crisis. He was a larger than life character, and he inspired others to be the same. Joe’s “my way or the highway” attitude was a defining characteristic, but you never doubted where he stood on an issue. He loved classical music, good food, a stirring concert, and especially gatherings of the clan. He was always good for an argument, a laugh, or a hug, and he will not easily be forgotten. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday April 2, 2013 at 10AM at St. Genevieve Church 1225 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 7-9PM and again on Tuesday after 9AM at the John F. Murray Funeral Home 1220 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031. Interment will follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.