William Hagan

William (Bill) Henry Hagan went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 12, at the age of 85. He was born on February 26, 1926, in Bakersfield, CA, to Harry and Edna Hagan. In 1928, the family moved to San Diego. Bill attended Sweetwater High School, graduating in 1943, and joined the Army Air Force where he served as a gunner on a B-24 during World War II. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He served in the Air Force reserves until 1962 and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.

Following the war, Bill returned to San Diego, graduating from San Diego State University in 1950. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Following his graduation, Bill worked in banking for 35 years. On October 18, 1953, Bill married Rosemary Kachel and the two of them made their home near SDSU. They raised three sons, Mark, Mike (Nancy), and Bob (Angie), and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Up until his death, Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling to Mexico, Texas and Canada with his sons and grandchildren. Easily the oldest angler at the rail or in the blind, he always had a smile of satisfaction on his face. Bill and Rosemary were members of Blessed Sacrament Church for 55 years where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also an active member in the La Mesa Optimists, Serra Club, and the 491st Bombardment Group. Within his neighborhood, Bill served in the College View Estates Homeowners Association, the College Area Community Council, and as a member of the Mid-City Community Court.

In addition to his wife and sons, Bill is survived by his grandchildren, Maureen, Alea, Scott, Danica, Kevin and Claire. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy, and two brothers, Harry and Ray. Bill will hold a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4540 El Cerrito Dr., San Diego with reception to follow. He will be Inurned at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery at a later date.

Bill had a huge heart for those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.