Philip Hagin Obituary

Philip David Hagin never met a stranger. As an extroverted "people person," Mr. Hagin attracted friends with his wide smile, infectious charm and disarming humor. He never failed to learn the life story of those he encountered - no matter how brief the interaction.

Mr. Hagin, 85, died on March 25, 2024, in Lauderhill, Florida.

While most people called him Phil, Mr. Hagin was known as Dave by his family and oldest friends.

Dave was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as the only child of Mildred O'Brien (who did not survive childbirth) and Philip Hagin. Dave was raised by his father, who shared parenting responsibilities with his two siblings.

From the start, Dave earned a reputation as a sharp wit with strong prankster tendencies. He honed those skills at Elizabeth's Thomas Jefferson High School. Following his 1956 graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving two years at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii. During his service, he and Anita Heckman, also of Elizabeth, "dated" by mail.

Two years after discharge, Dave married Anita and set up house in Linden, New Jersey. There, Dave took night classes at Newark College of Engineering and began a career in structural steel fabricating and erecting.

In 1970, Dave designed and built his dream house in Marlboro, New Jersey, for his growing family - which also included two children (Mark and Cathy) and a beagle (Sherry). When Mark signed up for Marlboro Township Little League, Dave did too - as a team coach and manager. Long after Mark had moved on from Little League, Dave continued to manage teams while serving on the board of directors.

Dave's Little League friends introduced him to golf, which quickly became another of his long-term passions. Dave took lessons and eagerly learned the game, enabling him to enjoy many afternoons on the golf course with a growing circle of friends.

In the early 80s, Dave started his own company, Marlboro Iron Works (MIW). He owned and operated MIW through 1994, when he and Anita retired to Lauderhill, Florida. There, the couple enjoyed cruising, socializing with friends, and traveling to national parks.

Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Anita. Survivors include his son, Philip Mark, who lives with his wife, Christina in Weston, Florida; daughter Catherine Mildred (Cathy), who lives with her husband Stephen in Atlanta, Georgia; grandson Thomas James Hagin of Fort Myers, Florida; and granddaughter Julia Grace Hagin, of Weston, Florida.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 from noon to 1:45 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. (Alexander-Levitt Funerals and Cremations (8135 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321.)

Interment will be at Bailey Memorial (7801 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068).

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity in Philip David Hagin's memory.