Obituaries

I will never forget when Jake sang a verse of the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the Holliston High Christmas Concert in December 1962. Mr. Ezer, our music teacher, chose him because of his fine baritone voice. The verse was one that is not often sung, and for callow adolescents like ourselves had a stumbling block in the second line which you may understand when I quote the entire verse. I think of Jake every time I hear the Battle Hymn. "In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With the glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me. As He died to make men holy let us die to make men free, His truth is marching on...." God rest his soul. Bob Wyckoff, HHS class of 64

Posted by Robert Wyckoff on March 27, 2019

Dearest Sue, We were so deepl saddened to hear of Jake's passing. Even though it's been 13 years since we lived in the area, we still remember with fondness our send off party that we shared with the two of you. Sending hugs your way during this difficult time.

Posted by Tom and Jane Fitzin on March 14, 2013

Dear Sue, Just learned of Jake's passing. My sincerest condolences to you Sue. Remembering Jake from H.S. days-He was such a kind and sincere person...always a smile on his face and a willingness to help anyone, anywhere. He will surely be missed by many...God Bless You. May you gather strength in your wonderful memories. Sincerely, Nancy N. Pistone

Posted by nancy noble pistone on March 7, 2013

Dear Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. I am greiving for both of you. Jake and you have a special place in mine and my children's heart and I will forever see him in my mind with his beautiful smile, big bear hugs and love for all..but especially for you.He was a man of character, integrity, and deeply loyal...and will be missed deeply. Keeping you and his family in my prayers... Kate

Posted by Kate Kelly-Albee on February 25, 2013

Dear Sue: I was saddened to hear of your husbands passing. I did not have the pleasure of meeting or knowing him, but I know you so he must have been a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies.

Posted by Bob Triveri on February 16, 2013

Dear Sue, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy

Posted by Nancy Graf on February 15, 2013

Sue - you may not see him, but you can be sure that Jake will always be there with you. With all my best. Stan

Posted by Stan Tyliszczak on February 15, 2013

Thoughhts and prayers go out to Jake's family and friends, Have so many memories of Jake from high school especially his home room antics

Posted by Marilyn Schofield Morine on February 15, 2013

Sue, A great loss to our family, Cousin Jake, as the kids always called him, will be remembered as a great guy who always had time to chat with them and ask them about what was going on with them during our visits to the Bird House. I will always remember the time he and Burt were visiting us on our patio. Burt re-introduced himself to 3 year old Rachel, who hadn't seen him in a long time, and she looked at Jake and said, "We'll, if he's Burt, then you must be Ernie." He always got such a kick out of all the kids. They could always relate to him because he loved to have fun. Rest in peace, dear cousin. Love, John, Jeanne, Meghan, Sarah, Rachel, and Thomas

Posted by Jeanne and John Murphy on February 15, 2013

Sue, I never had the pleasure but from the stories above Jake sounded like I great guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Dave

Posted by Dave Westerman on February 15, 2013

Dear Susan, Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Jake. Everyone's posts tell me that he left you with a world love and memories, that you will always have. Sincerely, John Cogdell

Posted by John Cogdell on February 14, 2013

Will miss hearing "hello Sunshine" when seeing the two of you walking by my Mom's house on Central St. In over 40 years I never saw anything but a big smile on his face. He was one in a million! I am so sorry for your loss!

Posted by Janice Quigley Kjellman on February 14, 2013

Dear Sue, Bid, Larry and Robin, I remember with fondness your family. I am grieving with you from Cary, NC. My brothers and I wish we could be with you especially tonight and tomorrow. The last time I saw Jake, he was with us for my Mom's funeral six years ago. I recall so many lovely memories of Jake at our family table and his spontaneous visits which brought great joy and laughter to us all, and especially his poetry which remains in my heart. Jake is now our special advocate in heaven. Please be assured of my thoughts and prayers. Warm regards, Mary Anne

Posted by Mary Anne Amico on February 14, 2013

Dear Sue, Our hearts go out to you. He was so loved and will be missed by so many people. We were very fortunate to have known him. We hope to see you on Captiva next month. With our love and deepest sympathy, Kathleen and Emmett

Posted by Kathleen and Emmett Nealon on February 14, 2013

Dear Sue I am so sorry to hear of Jake's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathy. Diane

Posted by Diane Bedell on February 14, 2013

Sue: I am saddened by the news of your loss. Jake sounds like a wonderful guy. My prayers will be with you and your family. Warm regards, Nancy Filipek

Posted by Nancy Filipek on February 14, 2013

Sue, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Time will help to ease the pain along with your wonderful memories. Sincerely, Susan & Peter

Posted by Susan Colando on February 14, 2013

Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult and sad time. Sincerely, Mark and Cath

Posted by Mark & Catherine Meudt on February 14, 2013

Mrs. Hagan & Jake's Family, I am so sorry for your loss! Jake was such a decent man. My Dad worked with Jake at LPD. I first met Jake when I was 11, and was told beforehand, to make sure I gave him a firm handshake, because he was such a standup guy! Several years later, my Dad was terminally ill and Jake would drive me to Dana Farber in Boston after school at least twice a week so I could see my Dad. One day I was very upset and Jake and I were on the sidewalk in Boston, with Jake hugging me. Jake also gave up his job as court prosecutor and went back on patrol, so that my Dad could keep working within the dept. I'm sorry to make this so long, I have so many more stories of his kindness and compassion, as everyone else does. Jake was truly one of my heroes. As a kid, it was fascinating for me to be among Jake, H.P., R.B., and listen to their stories. Thank You Jake! RIP. Respectfully, Tim Casey

Posted by Tim Casey on February 14, 2013

Sue Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband My thoughts and prayers are with you. Regards Kevin Dixon

Posted by Kevin Dixon on February 13, 2013

Sue, know that there is a brighter star in the heavens tonight. I knew Jake from my HS years, reconnecting with him again at our 40th reunion. He was a wonderful man. Take care of yourself Sue. God bless

Posted by Kathy DeLuca on February 13, 2013

Sue, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Jake jogging around Holliston...always with a big smile, a picture of health. My son, Jeffrey, met Jake when 3-4 years old...he was so impressed with this bigger than life "good guy"..and a policeman..to him Jake was a super hero. He will be missed, but always remembered. Rich Ciceroni (HHS 1962)

Posted by Rich Ciceroni on February 13, 2013

Dear Sue, I was fortunate to work with Jake for a brief time and got to see all his famous photos. He was a great person. I will say a prayer for him. God Bless. Sincerely, John Janakos

Posted by John J on February 13, 2013

Sue & Family, We are so sorry to hear that John is no longer with us. We are grateful in the knowledge that he was always surrounded by love and family, and that now he is at peace without pain and suffering. We offer our condolences and our prayers for your strength and comfort. God be with you.

Posted by Deane & Maria Taylor on February 13, 2013

Sue, My condolences on your loss; I pray you are comforted by your memories. My thoughts are with you and your family. Naema

Posted by Naema Nur on February 13, 2013

Dear Sue, So sorry to hear of Jake's passing. I worked with him at LPD for many years and found him always to be quick with a joke and professional at all times. He willbe missed by man. My thoughts and prayers go ut to you. Sincerly, Tim Bemis

Posted by Tim Bemis on February 13, 2013

Sue and Family When our 40th class reunion planning meetings began in 2004 at your lovely Holliston home, my arrival each time always found Jake outside, doing all the things he loved. So ready and willing to give me a guided tour of his latest birdhouses, beautiful flowers and any and all new projects he was either beginning or finishing. That was just how he was..no need to hang a welcome sign on the door...it was simply "felt" the moment I arrived. There have been some very special people over the years who have made the Holliston fabric so unique and wonderful...Jake was at the top of that list. His light and love for life will forever remain with us but for now, it is with great sadness that I say, so long Jake....'til we meet again. Peace and Blessings Sue, Donna

Posted by Donna Laronga on February 13, 2013

So sad to hear of Jake's passing. Although we only knew eachother briefly I was fortunate to be left with a memory of you both which has brought a smile to my face many times over the years. May you be blessed with many many memories.

Posted by Jerry Young on February 13, 2013

Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Ariane

Posted by Ariane Cinto on February 13, 2013

Dear Sue, My heart goes out to you for the loss of this unique, strong and caring guy. I 1st met Jake when he came up to play basketball at the Flagg School court. He was kind of stocky, not too tall, but he was quick and really good. Another memory finds us at the bar at Jimmy Carbineaux's place where I was impressed by his thoughtfulness, careful listening, and clear thinking...I remember wondering "How did this guy get so wise?" In hopes that your grief is lightened by knowing that it is shared by so many, Philip Brooks

Posted by Philip Brooks on February 13, 2013

jake was a cool guy in highschool! (class of 1962)

Posted by joan morse on February 13, 2013

Dear Sue - we only saw you when we visited our niece, Tara, in Holliston, but we were always aware of Jake next door. He was so wonderful to Tara's children Patrick, Kevin, Danny (his Godchild), Josephine and Tommy. Jake made videos of these children as they were growing up and it is something that family I am sure will treasure. Little Josephine always looked foward to the honey. He will be missed but remembered by all but especially by his neighbors in Holliston, The Quinns. Rest in Peace. Love, Dolores and Renee

Posted by Dolores/Renee Cocuzzo on February 12, 2013

Sue, so sorry to hear of Jake's passing. He was a great mentor, friend and police officer. He always had a smile and a hello when we met. He will be missed by many. Donna and my prayers are with you and the extended family. Sincerly Bob Romilly

Posted by Bob Romilly on February 12, 2013

Dear Mrs. Hagan: I knew Jake growing up in Littleton, and while he had occasion to speak with me "professionally" on traffic matters, he was always fair and practical about how he did his job. A genuinely decent and nice man who cared about the people in his professional community and who you could count on for assistance when you needed it. Later when I decided to go to law school (something I think he considered doing), Jake was a great source of support - having been the prosecuting officer in Littleton for some time -- and was interested enough to keep track of my progress along the way to see how I was liking it. He also took the time to check in with my mother from time to time in the final days of her battle with cancer. I am sorry I will not be able to attend his services, but I wanted you to know what a substantial and positive impact he had on the people of the community he served for so many years. My deepest sympathies for your loss, Michael Fencer

Posted by Michael Fencer on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Jake's friendly face whenever I met him out walking in Holliston. Love, Tenna

Posted by Tenna Bustin Foale on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue: I am so very sorry for your loss and I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I wish I had the right words to say and I wish I could it make it better for you. I leave you with this prayer that was recited at my Grandmother's funeral and I pray it brings you comfort, as it did me, when I needed it most. Jake is in the arms of an angel. When I Am Gone... When I am gone release me Let me go, I have so many things to see and do You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears Be happy that we had so many beautiful years I gave to you my love You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness I thank you for the love you each have shown But now it's time I travel alone So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by my trust It's only for awhile that we must part So bless the memories within your heart I won't be far away, for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near And if you listen within your heart you'll hear All my love around you soft and clear And then when you must come this way alone I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home."

Posted by Sheila Deane on February 12, 2013

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Jake's family. Jake was a wonderful person; the world is a better place because of him. Peace, Will

Posted by Will Gordon on February 12, 2013

Sue, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Words never seem quite adequate when our loved ones depart. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Amanda

Posted by A. M. Teixeira on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, So sorry for your loss,We will all miss him greatly. I will especially miss our times in the "bird house".He was such a good friend and more like a big brother.Your in our prayers always. Love Phil,Dawn & family

Posted by Phil Robshaw on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue and family, My thoughts are with you and your family. So glad I got the opportunity to visit with Jake during our reunion. My Mother drove Jake to school in Boston and always enjoyed his company. Appreciate all the time and effort Jake put into the DVD of our reunion.

Posted by Carol Loughman Webster on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue. I'm saddened to hear about Jake's passing. My memory is flooded with every good thing that Jake was, from our childhood years to meeting him at the class reunion in September. Jake probably had a special place in everyone’s memory. Maybe you don't know some things. Every time we would get together and especially if we were having fun, for example while flying together, Jake would yell out Johnnieeee!, and I would yell out Jakieeee !, no one would hear us at 5000 feet ! Sounds childish I know, but as you know Jake was always a kid at heart. Jake would find himself at our house, sometimes at all hours of the day and night, he would be visiting with us at the kitchen table. That was the way he was. Everyone wanted to be around Jake Hagan. Sue, no one can take away your grief. I just want you to know that because Jake loved everyone and everyone loved Jake, he made positive and lasting marks on everyone he was around. We will all meet again at the resurrection, and Jake will be there with that Irish smile welcoming us. With deepest sympathy. John Amico

Posted by John Amico on February 12, 2013

Sue, Sincere condolences to you and your families. My most vivid memories of Jake were on a dirty gravel basketball court "down the park" when he would let a skinny kid 4 years his junior play with the "older kids." He had such a generous spirit.

Posted by Ted Jursek on February 12, 2013

Sue, So sorry to hear about Jake. Although I believe I only met him once several years ago, all the long-term GTE/GD employees have told me what a super guy he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vince

Posted by Vince Antonacci on February 12, 2013

My prayers go with you all. Jake was a nice guy and will be missed by many.

Posted by Pete Noyes on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, Jake was truly one of a kind. It's a strange coincidence that at dinner last evening with a classmate, we spoke of Jake and his kindness, warm smile and sense of humor in high school. I am sure his loss will be felt by many. With sincere sympathy for your loss, Jean Mouzar, Class of 1964

Posted by Jean Mouzar on February 12, 2013

Sue, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jakes passing. When thinking of Jake, it's with great fondness and smiles as he helped me as a new department member in Littleton so many years ago. I hope you find comfort in knowing Jake was loved by so many. God bless. ~ Lisa Bonney

Posted by Lisa Bonney on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue,Karen and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Jake. I remember meeting him a few years ago and he was certainly a fine man.I hope you know how all of us in the company feel about you----the same goes for Jake. You are in our prayers at this sad time.Bill and Karen Cobb

Posted by Bill and Karen Cobb on February 12, 2013

dear Sue: We are so saddened to hear of Jakes passing. He will be sorely missed at our QCC Dinners. We too grieve with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Warm regards Dot and Charlie

Posted by dotsparrow &charlie doherty on February 12, 2013

I am very sorry that Jake has passed away. I saw him last at the Holliston High School 50th Reunion. I am a member of Class '62 of HHS. My deepest sympathy to Jake's family. Sincerely, Perry Djudzman

Posted by Ahmad Djudzman on February 12, 2013

Susan, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With Deepest Sympathy Linda Nannini

Posted by Linda Loughman Nannini on February 12, 2013

Sue, Our condolences to you and your family. We loved sharing stories at our recent reunion. Both of you, in spite of Jake's illness, were so uplifting and positive...attributes others, in less dire circumstances, could emulate! My remembrances of Jake were how open and friendly he and his family were to friends and visitors during our formative years. As teenagers we all seemed to enjoy the time "hanging out" at the club in back of his home. We'll continue to envision Jake with an Irish smile, quick wit, and love of you! Sincerely, Bruce and Maureen Bowen

Posted by Bruce & Maureen Bowen on February 12, 2013

Susan, I'm so sorry for your loss!! I worked w/Jake at LPD in the late 80's (as a disp. while going to college for C.J.). I remember Jake as a wonderful role model,a great conversationalist, and a true gentleman who was liked by all. Prayers are w/you as you go thru this very difficult time.

Posted by Linda Cahill on February 12, 2013

A special man that the world could use more of. We will remember him with a smile. Love, Jen, Dave and Timmy

Posted by The McNeil Family on February 12, 2013

Sue, I am so sorry to hear of Jake's passing. I will always remember him fondly.

Posted by Bob Wall on February 12, 2013

so sorry susan

Posted by dennis aleff on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, From as far away as Michigan you are remembered in your grief. May God, in time,grant you peace Sincerely, Craig

Posted by Craig Brodie on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, Jane and I send our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and best wishes to you. Jake was a hero to his constituents, and a good man. We are grieving with you from Apex, North Carolina and our prayers will remain with you. Sincerely, Pete & Jane

Posted by Peter von Jess on February 12, 2013

Dear Sue, Words can't adequately express our sadness at your loss. Jake was a great friend who will never be replaced. We grieve with you; please know you and Jake are in our thoughts and prayers. Regards, Gary & Liz

Posted by Gary & Liz Estler on February 11, 2013