William Clayton Hagemann, formerly of New Providence, NJ, loving husband, father and granddad, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, at Frederick Memorial Hospital, after a wonderful, full life. He was born June 23, 1925, in Jersey City, NJ, the son of William Ernest and Marie Esther Hagemann. After graduation from Snyder High School in Jersey City, he joined the United States Merchant Marines in order to serve his country in World War II. That experience led to a lifelong fascination with the sea, and a 50-year career in the shipping business, prior to retiring in 1995 from the United Arab Shipping Co. Mr. Hagemann met the love of his life, Dot (Elizabeth Dorothy Hanley) at an ice cream parlor after returning from service, and they married on Nov. 12, 1949. They enjoyed life to the fullest. This past summer, they moved to Adamstown. Mr. Hagemann was an avid golfer, happily walking 18 and sometimes 27 holes in a day. He was a long-term volunteer at the Veterans Administration hospital in Lyons, NJ, where he particularly enjoyed listening to patients' stories. He also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in New Providence. He was of the Lutheran faith. Mr. Hagemann is survived by his wife of 65 years; one daughter, Donna Donovan of New Hartford, NY, and her husband, Jerome; two sons, Mark Hagemann and his wife Patricia of Middletown, and David Hagemann and his wife Diana of Ferndale, MI; nine grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew and Erin Donovan; Christopher, Jennifer, Russell, William, Jake and Caleb Hagemann, and one great-grandchild, Bruce Hagemann. A Mass to celebrate Mr. Hagemann's life will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 11am Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown. Interment will be held later at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in Mr. Hagemann's honor can be made to Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South St., New Providence, NJ, 07974
