Obituary of Alfred J. O'Hagan

Alfred J. O’Hagan On October 26, 2016 of Deptford. Formerly of Gerritsen Beach Brooklyn, NY. New York City public figure and prominent community activist, passed away at his home. He was 81.Beloved husband of Catherine (nee Fahey). Devoted father of Sheila McGirl (Kevin) and Shaun O’Hagan (Jessica). Loving grandfather of Kieran, Siobhan, Sean, Kayla, Ryan and Norah. Dear brother of Ethel Karnbach, Patricia Rooney and the late Marlene Doane and Brian and James O’Hagan. Proud uncle of 42 nieces and nephews. Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1986, O’Hagan has led massive demonstrations in the New York area for the cause of peace and justice in Ireland. He has held top level meetings with the Irish government regarding the Northern Ireland situation and was invited to private dinner meetings with Ireland’s Prime Minister. In addition, he has been recognized by the White House under President Bill Clinton’s Administration as an outstanding Irishman. Hailing from Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, O’Hagan has worked all throughout New York celebrating and working for children, the impoverished, and of course the Irish. His efforts and accomplishments included: -Past New York State President and National Director of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. -Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade down 5th Ave. in 1986. -In 1974 he was appointed by Mayor Abraham Beame as the City-wide chairman for the massive Bicentennial celebrations, specifically to celebrate the Irish contributions to America. -Founded the Great Irish Fair, an annual event in Coney Island Brooklyn that raised over several million dollars for Catholic Charities. The Fair celebrated its 35th anniversary this past September. This fair was cited as the largest and best organized Irish Festival anywhere. -Founder of the Bay Ridge and Park Slope St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1976. -In conjunction with Mayor Abraham Beame, declared December 15, 1976 “Bing Crosby Day” as he was awarded “Irishman of the Century”. Under Al O’Hagan, Crosby came to the City and lit the official Christmas tree at City Hall and sang White Christmas. -Al organized the “Hibernian Baile na nGael, Inc.” (Brooklyn’s Home of the Irish) which is the only Irish cultural center in the entire City of New York. Over the years he has expanded the property and extended the building to accommodate Brooklyn’s Irish Community. -O’Hagan has been credited with causing the rebirth of Coney Island. First by saving the Parachute Jump which was scheduled for demolition and later by serving as the inspiration for the construction of a professional baseball field on the Fair’s site. This also resulted in the formation of the Coney Island Development Corporation of which Al was the first to be appointed to by Mayor Giuliani. -Formed the first Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn. -CEO of the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce. -Elected to the Community School Board, District 22 for 18 years. Visitation on Tuesday at the MARINE PARK FUNERAL HOME 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY . www.marineparkfh.com. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday 10:00 AM at Resurrection R.C. Church, Brooklyn. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. “A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”