John Patrick Hagen

John Patrick “Paddy” Hagen passed away on August 31, 2022, in Ocala, FL.   He led a remarkable life and touched the lives of many.  He was known as, a leader, supporter, and an inspiration to all who met him.  His humor, wit and love of people was a blessing to many including his family, community, and many beloved friends. 

He began his career as an engineer and was responsible for the building and construction of many key infrastructure projects throughout the state of New Jersey.  His loved organizing the members of his team and seeing those projects come to life.  In 1965, Pat met and married the love of his life Ann Marie.  Ann dreamed of building a family and a life with horses.  In 1972, Hagen Farm was established – making her dream reality.  Their daughter Carol started riding at a young age and invited her friends and schoolmates to the farm to come see and ride the horses.  Many families got involved with horses because of a seed that was planted after visiting Hagen Farm.

In addition to the farm, Paddy loved helping the community in any way possible.  He was particularly proud of his Irish heritage never missing the opportunity to share the luck and laughter of the Irish. Paddy organized several trips to Ireland for his local Ancient Order of Hibernians Chapter.  The group of men experienced Irish Culture and even visited “Hagen’s Bar” in Tyrone County Ireland.  It was talked about for years and resulted in the founding of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Father Duffy - Division 2  Of Ocean County, NJ.  Paddy was also the first President of the division.

As a member of Saint Mary’s church in Manahawkin, NJ – Paddy asked parish Father Ken if it would be possible to hold an Irish American mass.   With Father Ken’s blessing, an Irish mass was organized with a missalette’s written in English and Gaelic.  The mass was followed by a Saint Patrick’s Day dinner at the Parish Center with bagpipes and Irish dancers.  The church family of Saint Mary’s became a great source of joy for Paddy who was honored to become a eucharistic minister.   Even after moving out of state, when Pat and Ann returned to Saint Mary’s for a visit, Father Ken asked Pat to “Take your Position” in offering the eucharist during mass.  During his final months, Paddy recounted how much he loved doing anything possible for Father Ken and his wonderful church.

For all his efforts, he was awarded “2007 Irishman of the Year” by the Officers & Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Ocean County.  He also was one of the founding members of the Lacey Elks Club as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus of St Mary’s church. 

Still – another adventure awaited.  After years of dreaming of retiring in the Horse Capital of the world, Paddy and Ann found their dream farm in Ocala, FL where they continued their journey of raising horses.  In May of 2022, daughter Carol, showed their colt and a friend’s filly to Top 5 Honors at the Egyptian Breeders Championship at the World Equestrian Center.  It was a thrill for the whole family to have continued their dream in Ocala. 

Paddy is survived by his wife Ann Marie, daughter Carol Maginn (Reilly), Nieces Sharon Hubit (Butch), Tara Grace (Chuck), Maureen Lockwood Haugh, Charlene Moeckel (John), Jacqueline Blanchard (Jeff), Kathleen Hallgarten, Susan Morrison (Doug), MaryAnn Buckheit (Dan), Diane Hagen Floyd (Lyle), Leanora Kirby (Pat) Kevin Hagen (Delma), Bruce Malloy (Lisa) Joseph Hagen (Helene), Allison Baldwin, Marlene Glushko (George), Janice Abrams (Tom) and many beloved extended family members.