Henry "Hank" John Vagts
CENTERVILLE - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Henry "Hank" John Vagts. Hank passed away peacefully in his sleep at his longtime residence in Centerville, MA on April 17, 2020, just 2 weeks away from his 102nd birthday. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, June S. Vagts, on October 14, 2014.
A charismatic, caring, loyal, patriotic, faith-filled man, Henry was truly one of a kind and will be sadly missed by both family and friends. While Hank also had a wealth of accomplishments and life experiences, he was first and foremost a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was well-known for always putting family first.
Hank was born in New York City on May 5, 1918. Following high school, Hank enjoyed a professional dancing career in Buffalo, New York. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army where he served 4 years with achieving the rank of Sergeant working in administration under the Brigadier General. Upon his return to New York City, Hank became a hairdresser and met his wife, June E. Squires, at the salon where they both worked.
Hank and June were married, and moved to East Longmeadow, MA, where they owned and operated Mr. Henry's Hair Stylist for 20 years, with an additional location in Chatham, MA. While in East Longmeadow, Hank was a member of the East Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce and an early and now charter member of the East Longmeadow Rotary Club. He was a 50-year charter member, and a past Master of the Charles C. Spellman Lodge of Masons, 32 Degree Mason, Valley of Scottish Rite Bodies in East Longmeadow (now known as The Meadows Lodge) and a charter member of the Melha Shrine of Springfield. He also is a charter member of Amara Temple of Shriners, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
In 1976, Hank and June permanently relocated to Cape Cod, residing in Centerville over the past 45 years. Hank was extremely involved in the local community, including being an active charter member of the Hyannis Lodge of Elks #1549, serving as the Exalted Ruler of the Lodge in 1996. Following his service as Exalted Ruler, he served as Chaplin of the Lodge for 20 years, recently retiring his duties as Chaplin at the age of 99. He was also a member of The First Lutheran Church of West Barnstable, where he served as an usher for many years.
Hank leaves behind his four loving daughters, Phyllis A. Villa, Gail C. Manning, Valerie J. Jansson, and Donna L. Christensen; and four son-in-laws, whom he treated as his sons, Charles V. Villa, Stephen R. Manning, Brian S. Jansson, and Daniel E. Christensen; seven treasured grandchildren, Amy (Manning) Dusseault and husband, David, Christopher Villa and wife, Jennifer, Jonathan Manning and wife, Laura, Jennifer Villa and fiancé, Blane Toedt, Brad Jansson and wife, Courtney, Katie (Manning) Leuth and husband, David, Jill (Jansson) Litz and husband, Brian; and nine cherished great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Conner Villa, Sophie and Henry Dusseault, Spencer, Bentley and Easton Jansson, Austin Leuth, and Molly Manning. And his tenth great-grandchild, baby girl Litz due to be born in July.
Hank, also lovingly called "Mr. Wonderful" by his family, most enjoyed having his family all together and always expressed his gratitude and appreciation of how blessed he was to have his loving family around him. He thoroughly enjoyed socializing, square dancing, playing cards and a good laugh. Known for his love of celebrations and thoughtful speeches at family gatherings, Hank felt honored to have been able to speak at six of his grandchildren's weddings, as well as a recent engagement party.
In his later days, Hank shared his complete gratitude and love for his four daughters, for being there for him after the passing of June, and especially to his youngest daughter, Donna, for supporting him, day in and day out. He continued to remind us all of how important each and every one of us was to him. It will not be the same without him.
His daughters and family members will honor Hank at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA on Saturday, April 25 for a period of private visitation at 10 a.m., with a virtual service at 10:15 a.m. via Facebook Live. A "Celebration of Life" special driving by visitation for friends and neighbors will be held outside in the funeral home parking lot from 11a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please remain in your vehicle and you will be directed by staff. Burial will be private. At the request of Hank, a devoted Shriner, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston, Orthopaedics, 81 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 www.ShrinersHospitalsforChildren.org. For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com.
Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home