Greece: July 17, 2026. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Robert Sr. & Ruth Hager; sister, Beverly Davis; & brother, Lee Hager. He is survived by his wife, Alice (Aquilina) Hager; children, Mark (Judy) Hager, Laurie (John) Ashodian, & Jeffrey Hager; grandchildren, Stephanie (Matthew) Sorce, Robert Ashodian, Joshua Hager, & William Hager; great-grandchild, Carmella Sorce; sister, Joan Hager; several nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

Robert’s life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.), Wednesday, July 22nd, 2-4 & 6-8 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 23rd, 10am, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave. Immediately following, Robert will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Boy Scouts of America, 2320 Brighton-Henrietta TL Rd., Rochester, NY 14623, in Robert’s memory.

The Life Story of Robert J. Hager, Jr. (“Bob”)

On February 15, 1943, Robert J. Hager, Jr. – known simply as “Bob” to everyone who loved him – was born in Niagara Falls, New York, to Robert J. “Jerry” Hager, Sr. and Ruth Hager. Not long afterward, the family settled in Rochester, where Bob spent his childhood growing up during the optimistic and ever-changing decade of the 1950s.

Throughout his 83 years, Bob witnessed remarkable moments in history. He lived through fifteen United States presidents, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the first moon landing, the tragedy of September 11th, and extraordinary technological advances that transformed everyday life. While the world around him continually changed, the values that defined Bob never did. He remained steadfast in his love of family, his kindness toward others, and his unwavering belief that life was meant to be enjoyed together.

Bob was truly a “chip off the old block.” He inherited his father’s greatest quality: putting family first. Jerry worked for Bausch & Lomb and Eastman Kodak, while Ruth devoted herself to raising their children. Their home was one where love, loyalty, and togetherness mattered most—values Bob carried with him every day of his life.

He shared countless memories with his siblings. His sister Beverly Davis was known for being prim and proper, while Joan brought fun and laughter wherever she went. His brother Lee, once an adventurous motorcyclist who later became a Ph.D. and Superintendent of Schools, always added his own unique perspective to family life.

Bob’s love for animals began early. As a boy, he treasured his dogs, Sandy and Rags, and even cared for a pet crow. Later in life, his beloved koi pond became one of his greatest joys. With patience and delight, he would feed his fish until they seemed to respond with a cheerful “Bob” – a story that perfectly captured his playful spirit.

His education began in the one-room Colonial Village Schoolhouse before he graduated from Edison Technical High School. He later earned an associate’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Bob possessed an incredible mechanical mind and could seemingly repair anything placed before him. Whether fixing something around the house, maintaining his pond, caring for his perfectly manicured lawn, or solving a complicated mechanical problem, Bob approached every task with quiet confidence and determination. Perhaps his greatest talent, however, was keeping the peace. Family members often knew that if Bob was involved, things would somehow work out.

Bob began working while still in high school at Schaller’s and Endicott & Johnson before building a successful career as a mechanical engineer with Eastman Kodak. His commitment to service also led him to the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard the destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931) as a Gunner’s Mate. The discipline, responsibility, and teamwork he learned during his military service remained with him throughout his life.

Service to others became a defining theme of Bob’s life. He volunteered as an Indian Guide alongside both of his sons and gave his time to the Boy Scouts. He taught religion classes at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, welcomed parishioners during Sunday breakfasts at church, and remained active in the American Legion. His love for square dancing blossomed into decades of leadership as president of the Belles & Beaus Square Dance Club for twenty years, where his dedication earned him the prestigious Norma Daphne Leadership Award.

One of the greatest blessings of Bob’s life began when mutual friends introduced him to Alice Aquilina. Their love story led them to St. Charles Church, where they were married and began a remarkable journey together that lasted sixty-two years. Through every season of life, Alice remained the center of Bob’s world.

Together they built a beautiful family, welcoming their children Mark, Laurie, and Jeff. Bob embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly. He rarely missed an important event, whether it was an open house, school concert, dance recital, sporting event, graduation, ceremony, or celebration. His family always knew they could count on seeing him there, quietly cheering them on with pride.

As a family, they embraced adventure. Camping trips, motorhome vacations, cruises, carnivals, fishing excursions, and family celebrations filled their years with treasured memories. Bob simply loved being together. The destination mattered far less than the people beside him.

His circle of friends reflected the kind of person Bob was. His cousin, Phillip Julias, and dear friends, Rusty & Paulette LoDolce, Rob (& Judy) Goodyear, Clem (& Nancy) Sanza, Tom (& Dottie) VanValkenburgh, and Dee Gutske (& Roy Baird) shared countless adventures through travel, camping, cruising, square dancing, and spirited games of euchre. Wherever Bob went, friendships naturally followed because everyone felt welcome in his company.

Bob possessed a personality that made people smile. He was loving, generous, thoughtful, funny, silly, friendly, protective, considerate, and completely selfless. His optimism was contagious. When challenges arose, he reminded those around him to “Have a plan.” He greeted life with his cheerful “Happy, happy, happy,” and never missed an opportunity to encourage someone by saying, “You look so nice today—you are a hard worker and a go-getter.” His playful greeting, “Hello, this is your father speaking,” became one of the many sayings his family will forever hear in their hearts.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved Moon River, Elvis Presley, the music of the 1950s, and especially the upbeat fun of Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog. Sundays often included football, while evenings might feature The Honeymooners, Animal Planet, the History Channel, or another Clint Eastwood classic.

Of course, Bob wasn’t fond of everything. Decorating for holidays, hanging camping lights, shopping – especially with Alice – and trying to keep up with new technology were among the things he happily left to others whenever possible. Spelling wasn’t exactly his favorite subject either. Yet even these little frustrations became part of the stories his family laughs about today.

If there was one thing Bob wanted to leave behind, as his legacy, it was not possessions or accomplishments – it was family. He believed in solving problems instead of creating them, helping instead of judging, protecting instead of criticizing, and bringing people together instead of driving them apart. His greatest success was the family he loved so deeply and the example he set for each of them.

To describe Bob in just five words is no easy task, but these come closest: loving, fun, devoted, dependable, and a problem-solver.

On July 17, 2026, Bob’s earthly journey came to a peaceful close, but the impact of his life continues in every member of the family he cherished, every friend whose life he brightened, and every person who benefited from his kindness and generosity.

His legacy will never be measured by titles or achievements alone. It lives in family traditions, camping trips, shared laughter, words of encouragement, and countless memories made simply because Bob believed that showing up for the people you love is what matters most.

His family says it best: “We all will miss him dearly. He is irreplaceable. We will remember his fun personality and positive presence that he had. He was a friend to everyone.”

And that is exactly how Robert J. Hager, Jr. will be remembered: a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, faithful servant, gentle leader, and a man who made the world brighter simply by being in it.