Auburn: Nils "Skip" W. Hagberg, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2020 with family by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Ullstrom) Hagberg. He leaves a daughter Miya Hagberg and her partner Kenan Giguere-Jones of Nantucket; a son Jon Hagberg and his partner Christine Mariano of Sterling; a grandson Jack Giguere-Jones; 3 sisters- Susan Natoli of Orlando, FL, Christine Gauthier of Sutton, and Robin Forsberg of Auburn; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Skip was born in Worcester, son of the late Nils and Audrey (Warren) Hagberg. He graduated from Classical High School in 1961 and went on to proudly serve his country in the US Navy until his Honorable Discharge. He enjoyed playing trombone in the Navy band along with his travel during his time in the service.
Skip earned his BS/BA degree from Clark University in 1978 and worked as a Sales Representative Supervisor at the former Norton Company for many years before taking an early retirement. He then went onto work at K.B.Q., in Westborough and later, helped to coordinate the opening of Kohl’s in Millbury as a Department Head.
Skip was very active with the Masons. He was a member and a past master of the Joel H. Prouty Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Auburn; a past monarch of the Alethia Grotto in Worcester; a contributing member of the Humanitarian Foundation of the Supreme Council, M.O.V.P.E.R.; and a member/master mason of the Supreme Council Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Skip’s biggest passion, aside from his Grandson, was music. He loved to listen to his fathers old Swedish records and watch his Andre Rieu DVD’s. He played trombone in The Classic Swing Big Band in which he had co-founded. He enjoyed marching in parades with The Al Youngman Band and The Alethia Grotto Band. Skip even filled in at times with the Jolly Kopperschmidts German Band.
He was member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn, the Scandinavian Athletic Club, The Worcester County Light Opera, and a member of the Chester Tuttle Post.
He enjoyed camping, especially in Gloucester which he did ever since he was a kid. He also enjoyed golfing, and skiing in his earlier years. Most of all, Skip enjoyed his time spent with family and friends, particularly his grandson Jack, who was the light of his life and “kept him young”.
He had a big heart, a great sense of humor, and always tried to find the positives in all aspects of life. He was someone who was always willing to listen and give honest advice. He touched the souls of many people. He will be missed dearly.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020 from 3-6 p.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. A private funeral service will be held in Bethel Lutheran Church 90 Bryn Mawr Ave. Auburn. Masks must be worn and all Covid protocols must be followed. A burial of ashes with military honors will take place in Spring 2021 in All Faiths Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Skip's memory may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Chester Tuttle Post. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click link.
UPDATE: Burial and committal service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in All Faiths Cemetery.
Please join the Hagberg family at the SAC grand ballroom at 1:00 p.m. on Sat. June 19, 2021 for a celebration of life luncheon. Dan Gable and the Abletones will be performing live. All are welcome.