Obituaries
Patrick C. Bagley, 67
September 24, 1952 - December 13, 2019
Patrick C. Bagley died in hospice care Dec. 13, 2019 at the E.E. Manny Murry Center (Hospice & Community Care) in Mount Joy, Pa., surrounded by his loving family to whom he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was 67.
“Coach Bags,” as he was fondly called on the Lancaster sports scene, will be remembered not only for his strategies on the field and in the gym, but for his desire to help all kids succeed, especially those whose life circumstances challenged them, and who society may have considered underdogs.
Born Sept. 24, 1952 in Orland, Calif. to Mary V. Gates and Harry F. (Fred) Bagley, Pat grew up in Pennsylvania, graduating from Chestnut Ridge High School in Fishertown, Pa. where he was a stand-out athlete, lettering in football, wrestling and track & field. In 2019, he was inducted into the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1966-67 football team.
Following high school, Pat earned an Associate of Arts degree from Keystone Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dickinson State College, North Dakota. He took his talents in education and coaching to Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Poplar, Mont., where he met fellow educator Cathy Bagnasco, who quickly became the love of his life. They married in Cathy’s hometown of Gaylord, Mich. on Aug. 7, 1982, and returned to Poplar to grow their family.
A life-long learner, Pat continued his studies at Central Michigan University, seeking to further his career in special education. He also coached the CMU wrestling team to a Mid-American Conference Championship in 1987.
The Bagleys made their way back to Pennsylvania in 1987, settling in Lancaster, their home ever since.
Pat was an educator at many Lancaster area schools, most recently working at Willow Street Vocational Technical School where he strived to be a positive influence and impact students’ lives. His compassion and understanding drew him to work with kids with troubled backgrounds. For that reason, he embraced his work at youth detention and intervention facilities where he tried to be the mentor/fatherly figure often missing from their lives.
“Coach Bags” spent decades coaching wrestling, track & field, and football at the middle-, high-school and collegiate levels in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Montana. He had the pleasure of coaching his two youngest children, and continued to support them, his grandchildren and several of his former athletes by attending their athletic competitions. Most recently, Pat was assistant wrestling coach at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, resigning only when his illness rendered him unable to continue.
In his roles as educator, coach and mentor, Pat impacted the lives of countless kids. He was too humble to acknowledge how often he might have guided some onto the right path and helped them to rise above negative circumstances to succeed.
His own children, Patrick Barton Bagley, Nathaniel R. Bagley and Nicole M. Bagley were never left to wonder whether their dad was proud of them: He was, and he would gush on about their accomplishments to anyone willing to listen. (After all, he’d reason, he’d had a hand in forming them into exemplary human beings!) Likewise, his grandchildren Conner, Aiden, Townsen, Katie, Roen and Naomi always knew Pop-pop was proud of them.
For Pat, Cathy, indeed, was the love of his life, and she remained his “bride” even after 37 years of marriage.
As a family, the Bagleys endured Pat’s terribly corny jokes, his incessant talking, his bluegrass and classic country music, and his cursing at the squirrels that overran his yard. But that was easy to do considering he had so many other endearing qualities: a fun and sarcastic sense of humor; a big heart; strength (both physical and mental); and the kind of integrity that prompted him always to speak up for the right thing, even if it meant rocking the boat.
It is with that same respect, love and humor Pat’s family and friends will remember him at a celebration of life on a date yet to be announced.
Pat’s family wishes to acknowledge the hospice staff at E.E. Manny Murry Center in Mount Joy, Pa. who were absolute angels at helping them and Pat on the final step of his life’s journey. When asked by the nursing staff what he preferred to be called, he answered “Coach,” and they honored that request up to his very last minutes.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service which will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2020,at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 East Delp Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601, where the family will begin receiving guests at 10:00 AM. Following the Celebration of Life service, a luncheon will be held at 1:00 PM at the Lafayette Fire Company Social Hall, 63 Lafayette Way, Lancaster, PA 17602. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to E.E. Manny Murry Center, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or online at www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/ways-to-give/
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 18, 2021
I had the honor to have coach Bagley for wrestling when I attended THaddeus Stevens 96/97. He and I barely fit in the short practice room above the gym. He even invited 2 of us to his house to help clean the garage out. Super nice man and cared about each and everyone of us on and off of the mat. Rest In Peace Coach!!
October 08, 2021
I met Pat when we were students at Dickinson State College. It warmed my heart to read about him. He did not change over the years. At school, he was a good friend, role model, and mentor to many. I remember his corny jokes, his laugh, his twinkling eyes, his kind demeanor…he was an old soul. I have thought about Pat over the years. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary Drewniak
February 07, 2020
Coach Bagley,
You coached and inspired so many young men, myself included. You could have an extended conversation with anyone with your friendly and welcoming personality. I wish I would’ve told you all of this while I had a chance to. You will be greatly missed, but there’s no doubt that you’re having one heck of a conversation with someone up in heaven right now.
Love ya Coach Bagley
-Jesse McCall-
December 23, 2019
I will certainly miss the big guy. I always liked his attitude n corny jokes. And talk he did, running into him at Weis markets always meant an extra half hour. I will sincerely miss him. See u in the hereafter coach
Jack Younker, CVHS
December 21, 2019
What a wonderful life! I am so sorry to hear. He will be remembered as a very good friend along with all his other qualities.
Janice MacIntyre
December 20, 2019
I remember running track with Pat, and hanging out in the varsity club with him. He was a good guy in school, and a good friend. The good ones are always taken too soon. Pat, you’ll always be remembered.
Bill Osman
December 20, 2019
My sincerest condolences to all family and friends of Pat. I was a teacher with him at Manos House and loved working with him. He always brought a positive attitude and smiles with him no matter the circumstances. Our students were, at some times, quite difficult, but he could cajole them out of their bad mood. He will be missed. I was greatly saddened to see of his passing.
Beverly J. Bolich
December 19, 2019
Cathy/Nate and family: Very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I know he put up a valient fight. I am sure in his time of need that he was more concerned for you and the family rather than himself. Concern for others is the typical Pat!! I truly had plenty of fun coaching wrestling with him at Conestoga Valley. We could talk wrestling for hours; our own wrestling stories from our youth and from our coaching days. I can attest to the fact that he had the worst jokes ever! You had to laugh because they were so poor and dumb. He will be missed. He positively touch many people. He will be fondly missed by myself and my wife (Becky, former athletic trainer at CV).
Sincerely, Dick and Becky Milley
PS: Nate take care of your mother and watch over the whole family.
December 18, 2019
Though I’ve seen him around wrestling mats for years, I haven’t personally known him that long, but Coach Bagley has been a real blessing to me and to the wrestling team at Thaddeus Stevens the last couple of years. I just heard of his departure today and am very sad that we won’t be able to continue working together. He really made a difference in so many places and with so many people. I’ll be praying for the Bagley family.
Steve Mousetis
December 18, 2019
You will be greatly missed in the halls at CTC Willow Street. Last year you always joked and goofed around with the student I was working with. She was bound to a wheel chair, but you treated her just the same as everyone else. What a wonderful welcome you always gave as we got off the bus! In heaven I am sure you heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful sevant!” Nate, my empathy and symathy to you and your family!
Kent Haberern
December 18, 2019
Gonna miss you Bags. I enjoyed everyday we worked together, our wrestling talks and seeing you at events. Prayers to the family. Rest In Peace Brother
Trevor Vaughan
December 18, 2019
I had the pleasure of working with Pat at Abraxas Academy. He had a wonderful feel & knack for working with at-risk kids. He was well-respected by both staff and students alike.
Tris Vaughan
December 17, 2019
So very sorry to hear Mr. Bagley passed away!! I always saw him roaming the hallways at CTC Willow Street going from one class to another to help out or talking to the kids outside the cafeteria! He will be missed!! RIP Mr. Bagley
sheryl a Linard
December 17, 2019
Coach Bagley was such a dynamic and fun-loving force around cv. I fondly recall many a track practice learning drills from him to do with my girls, and always accompanied by a joke or some sort of sarcasm. Pat had an uncanny ability to make those early spring COLD practices a bit warmer with his smile and his laugh. He certainly brightened my day on many occasions! His daughter Nicole, aka “lil bags” remains one of my favorite kids I ever coached. Her personality and wit derived from that perfect blend of Pat and Cathy. I feel blessed to have known you Coach Bags. Rest In Peace. give Pikey a nice scratch behind the ears from Coach Greiner 🙂
Lori Greiner
December 17, 2019
We will miss you mr bagly you will always by thought of
Francisco lugo
December 17, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Pats passing. I will never forget all the good times we had coaching together. God bless!
Jim Groff
December 17, 2019
I had the privelege and honor of working alongside Pat when we taught together. He was an inspiration and a joy. My prayers are with you all.
Jandy
December 17, 2019
RIP. Had you as teacher as a kid and then as a adult had the opportunity to work with you. Thank you for all you did. You’ll truly be miss.
Carlos Rivera
December 17, 2019
Cathy, we r sooo sorry to read of the passing of your wonderful husband, Pat!!! Our hearts r heavy for you and your family! Christmas will be a hard holiday for you.. we will keep you r our prayers! Love, Arlene and Bob
December 17, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Bagley family. Pat was a wonderful man whose memory will live on in the hearts of countless many.
Teresa Nelson
December 17, 2019
Sad to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers. Julie Crowley
December 17, 2019
Pat was a great man! He will be missed by the kids at the CTC. Sorry for your loss. He will be an angel watching over you all
Diana Smith
December 17, 2019
I want to start off by saying Coach will be missed but not forgetten. I worked with Coach on two separate occasions in youth facilities and he always had a way of changing the room. He offered stability where there was none. I remember at my first facility working this one time a female staff said “go get Hulk Hogan he can fix this” when the kids were getting too rowdy. He did, he always did. Sometimes in life we treat friends like little trinkets on our social medias walls, something to look at but never engage with. Pat didn’t do that with me. He would private message me on my birthday. Those meant alot to me. He would tell me ” Happy Birthday and make sure you get that ring bologna and cheese so you grow up big and strong”. I will miss those messages. Thank you Coach for everything, you will be missed but not forgotten. My deepest and heartfelt condolences for the family’s loss offered up by Israel and Luz Ramirez and family. God Bless you guys.
December 17, 2019
I truly admired the way he worked with the at risk youth at Abraxas.
He always was positive and smiled in the face of adversiry.
Carry on Bags.
Coach Ken Miller
- Visitation
- Saturday, February 08, 2020
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 East Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, February 08, 2020
- 11:00 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 East Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
