Michael Bossert Hagearty

An alumnus of both Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Dental School, Mike spent two years as an officer in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, where he first became acquainted with Atlanta while stationed at Ft. McPherson. Following an honorable discharge in 1971, he relocated to Atlanta, partnering with Dr. Hill Griffin to form Georgia Periodontics, where they devoted 50 years to caring for patients.

Blessed with work he loved, Mike further honored his profession across decades of teaching and leadership, training future dentists at Emory University and the Dental College of Georgia and elevating the practice in service to professional societies such as the Southern Academy of Periodontology and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In his later years he was a regular volunteer at The Ben Massell Dental Clinic, where he provided care to those who could not afford it.

After the death of Patricia, his beloved wife of 41 years, in 2004, Mike sought comfort in his Catholic faith as well as in active pursuit of the highest mountains and the lowest golf scores. In particular, he found joy in having hiked the tallest peaks in each state along the Appalachian Trail and in having played the most geographically remote golf courses on the planet. On the average day he could be found carrying his bag, walking the course in the late afternoon as a 43-year member of East Lake Golf Club. In between rounds, he deepened relationships with family and friends on vacations and holidays, scampering about everywhere from Stone Mountain to Machu Picchu. He ran only one day a year, July 4, and treasured the Peachtree Road Race shirts he received for the extra effort.

Mike is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Margaret of Glen Ellyn, IL, as well his four children: daughter Mary Beth of Minturn, CO, and her daughter Haley Bray (Kip); daughter Kellie Clabby (Jim) of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and their two children Caroline (Conor Peterson) and Ben; son Michael of Atlanta, GA, and his two children Annie Reid and Kelly; and son Christopher (Robin) of Chamblee, GA, and his daughter Bailey.

In addition to four career holes-in-one, he will be remembered for his profound generosity, annual Christmas letters, humility, spaghetti, and his enduring love and commitment to family and friends. Please join us in raising a glass, or your favorite salt shaker, to the Top Papa.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1406 Hearst Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mike may be directed to First Tee Metro Atlanta or the National Park Service.