John Robert Hagan was born in Stamford, CT to parents Robert and Hannah Hagan on September 5, 1933, and had a brother William.
John Robert Hagan
While attending Stamford High School, he was the All-State center on the 1950 State Championship Football Team. His education continued at The University of Connecticut where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and was a member of the 1952 Yankee Conference Championship Football Team. He continued his education at Fairfield University earning a master’s degree in education.
He met Joan Marie Hardiman on a blind date to see the Jackie Gleason Show in New York City. She became his wife of 69 years where they lived in Stamford and raised their family of 4 children. They were faithful members of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church for many years.
John spent most of his career teaching physical education and coaching football in Stamford Public Schools. While coaching football, he received numerous awards including Head Coach of the 1970 and 1971 State Championship Teams, The CT High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1970 and 1971, and The New York Daily News Coach of the Year in 1970 and 1971.
Later in his career, in addition to teaching, he worked as an Assistant Football Coach at Fordham, Columbia, and Pace Universities. He also worked for BLESTO as an NFL Depth Scout. He was inducted into the CT Coaching Hall of Fame in 1996 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Most recently in 2023, he was inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and received the Ralph King Award.
In retirement, John and Joan played golf, spent winters in Florida, and enjoyed attending every special occasion for their extended family. After 89 years of living in Stamford, they moved to Texas to be near family. John passed away on July 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 92. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of Worthington Manor Assisted Living in Conroe, TX for their kind, compassionate care.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan, his son John Brian Hagan (Sharon), daughter Lynda Hagan Valluzzo (Robert), daughter Maureen Hagan Parrish (John), and son Robert Andrew Hagan (Kerri). In addition, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, no immediate services will be held in Texas. A Celebration of Life will be held in Stamford, Connecticut and announced at a future date. Tributes will be welcome at that time. Until then, the family asks that you remember John through the love he shared and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.