Paul Hagerty

Paul J. Hagerty, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, surrounded by love, after a period of declining health.

Paul is survived by his four children: Kathy Hagerty, Dan Hagerty (Patricia), Tim Hagerty (Katrin), and Patrick Hagerty (Jennifer); four grandchildren: Paul Hagerty, Julius Hagerty, Jules Hagerty, and Lily Hagerty; and two sisters: Ruth Pavelchik and Anne (Thomas) Wamser.

Born on July 25, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Paul devoted his life to faith, family, and the service of public education. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend, Nancy, to whom he was married for 59 years. Paul and Nancy met at Marquette University, where he graduated in 1961. They married that same year, beginning a life of partnership grounded in shared values and mutual respect.

Paul began his career in the Milwaukee Public Schools, where he served as a mathematics teacher and later as a Curriculum Specialist for Mathematics. In 1968-69, Paul and Nancy worked as guidance counselors for the U.S. Department of Defense in Japan, a formative experience that reflected their spirit of travel and service.

Paul's passion for education led him to earn two master's degrees from Marquette University and a doctorate from Florida State University. In 1977, he left Milwaukee to become Superintendent of Schools in Bibb County (Macon), Georgia, later serving as Superintendent in Springfield, Missouri, and then in Seminole County, Florida, where he became its first appointed Superintendent. Across his 26 years as a school superintendent, Paul was a transformative leader known for integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellent education for all students.

He received numerous awards and honors, including Superintendent of the Year in both Missouri (1990) and Florida (1997), and Outstanding Alumnus from each of the schools he

attended (Florida State University-1997, Marquette University-2000, and Pius XI High School-2002). He was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of School Administrators (2003) and was the only administrator in the country selected all four times for Executive Educator magazine's "Top 100 School Administrators" (1984, 1987, 1990, 1993). In a lasting tribute to his impact, the Seminole County School Board named its newest high school Paul J. Hagerty High School upon his retirement in 2003.

A lifelong Catholic, Paul lived his faith in word and deed. He served as the first chairman of the Pastoral Council at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Oviedo, and in 2018, was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal honor for outstanding service to the Church.

Paul and Nancy shared a love of travel and were avid duplicate bridge players, one of the rare couples who could be both partners at the table and in life.

A Funeral Mass, the rite of Christian burial, will be celebrated at The Basilica of the Assumption (America's First Cathedral) on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., followed by interment beside his beloved wife, Nancy, at Queen of Angels Catholic Cemetery in Winter Park, Florida, on Thursday May 29th, 2025 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hagerty Family Scholarship fund which is part of the Foundation for the Seminole County Public Schools. You may elect to send a check or call directly to donate. Donations by check may be mailed to 400 E. Lake Mary BLVD. Sanford, FL 32773 ATTN: Foundation. In the memo/liner notes line, reference the Hagerty Family Scholarship Fund. Or if the preference is to contribute over the phone, a donation can be taken over the phone at 407-320-0181 by Roderick. Please reference the Hagerty Family Scholarship Fund.