Thomas O. Hagele died March 23, 2014 at ninety years old. He passed away in his sleep, surrounded by family, at his home in Rye, New York.
Thomas was born on August 2, 1923 in Port Chester, NY, but he continued to live in Rye for the remainder of his life. As a dutiful American citizen, Thomas entered into the military service to fight in World War II in January 1943. He served in Greenland and throughout Europe as a PFC and was discharged in December 1945.
Upon returning home from service, Thomas worked as a proprietor, and eventually became owner, for the Rye Liquor Store for forty-seven years. On August 4, 1956, Thomas married Jane M. Hagele, to whom he remained in a loving partnership with for fifty-eight years.
He is survived by Jane, his three children: Thomas M. Hagele of Ridgefield, CT, Margaret Hogben of Rye, N.Y., and Anne M. Beguiristain of Port Chester, N.Y., and 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren: Anthony Scarfone, Elizabeth, Jenner and Christopher Hagele, Lindsay and Brett Beguiristain – great grandchildren Alyssa and AJ Scarfone.
Thomas was not only a dutiful worker, soldier, and fireman, but also a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was the most kindhearted soul who could be seen in attendance at Catholic Mass every day.
Thomas Hagele will be greatly missed by his family and the many lives he touched. The family received friends at the Graham Funeral Home on Wednesday March 26, 2014 from 4 PM to 8 PM.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection on Thursday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations for Thomas can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).