Bethel Native, Charles Hager, has passed at 88

Charles F. Hager, 88, formerly of 23 Pond View Terrace, Danbury, CT., passed away peacefully, February 5, 2016, at Saint John Paul II Center, Danbury, CT., after a relatively short illness. Charlie was the loving husband of his late wife, Mary A. (Arbesmann) Hager, whom he affectionately called "Gussie." They were married for forty-six years before her passing in 2002.

He was born in Bethel, CT., January 23, 1928, a son of the late Walter David Hager and Jessie Agnes (Collier) Hager. He retired from Bronson Ultrasonics in 1990 after ten plus years with the company. At his retirement, he was given a lifetime award for, "51 years of employment without an absence." Most of his working life was in the retail food industry having worked for Grand Union in Newtown and Caraluzzi's in Bethel and West Redding. Besides his regular job, he worked for himself doing ground maintenance and snow plowing. He joined the US Army Ready Reserve September 1950, transferred to the US Army 24th Constabulary Squadron, based in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, which was assigned to border patrol on the Soviet-American inter-zonal territory, and was honorably discharged October 1955. Charlie was a former member of the Danbury Barber Shop Madhatter's Chorus group for over twenty years and later a member of a singing group called the "Notables." He loved fishing all his life, especially at the pond in his backyard, had a great sense of humor, precisely mimicked bird calls, feed deer, one which ate from his hand that he nicknamed "bright eyes."

He was a lifelong resident of Danbury and Bethel. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Charlene and Peter Henderson, Jr. of New Milford, CT. A brother Richard D. Hager of Roanoke, VA. A sister, Marjorie L. (Hager) Crowley of Spring Hill, FL. A half-brother, Lawrence Hager, of Southbury, CT. and another half-brother, Walter B. Worth, of Gallatin, TN. Also, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Walter H. Hager, Sr., of Bethel and a sister, Alice M. (Hager) Hyatt, long time resident of Bethel before moving to San Diego, CA. and half-sister Anita (Worth) Disarro of Wasilla, Alaska.

There are no calling hours and interment will be at the family's discretion in Elwood Cemetery, early spring. A small contribution to the charity of your choosing, in his name, would be appreciated. Green Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.