Steve Hagan

Steve Hagan, longtime Rancho Cordova resident, firefighter and athlete, died peacefully on April 11, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family following a long battle with COPD and Leukemia. He was 77. Born on December 31, 1944 to Paul and Mary “Dayo” Hagan in Nowata, OK, the family headed West in 1947, settling first in San Francisco and making numerous moves throughout Northern California before settling in Rancho Cordova, where he lived until his death. Steve held an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Sacramento City College, which he received shortly after beginning his career as a firefighterwith the Rancho Cordova Fire Department in 1966, which eventually became part of Sacramento Metro Fire department. He loved working in the fire service and the many incredible people who became friends during those years as he rose to the rank of Captain. He retired from Sacramento Metro Fire in 1994, but his calm, cool and resolute leadership style as a Captain was recalled in the many sentiments shared by colleagues after his passing. In addition to his professional life, Steve will be remembered for his athletic accomplishments. He was selected as an All-Star for the North in the Elks All-Star Football Game and was nominated for the Sacramento City-County Chamber of Commerce Basketball Hall of Fame Award in 1962, while playing at Folsom High School. He also played baseball, which came in handy later in life when he pitched batting practice to his then brother-in-law Larry Wolfe. Wolfe went on to play Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox and credits Steve for helping him get ready for "the show.” Steve continued playing basketball and baseball well into his 40s. He was part of the Fireman’s Olympic Team for Rancho Cordova Fire Department, which earned a gold medal. His shared his passion for sports with youth, coaching flag football,girls softball and Little League baseball. One of his proudest accomplishments was coaching the 1978 Rancho Cordova Little League All-Star 12-year old team, which came close to qualifying for the Little League World Series, a record which stands today. He was an avid golfer who loved playing with his “Thursday Group” and looked forward to their annual Monterey trips. A man of quick wit and stellar memory, Steve was a trivia buff, gourmet cook and lover of musicals. He and wife Debbie enjoyed gambling outings together. Most of all he loved his family, friends and the Niners. Steve’s winsome smile will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; sister Paula Popovich; and son Jon Hagan. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Debbie Hagan; sister, Brenda Deckwa (Tim); daughters, Julie Hagan-Belka (Ron) and Rachel Pentaris (Dean); son Bryan Pavelchik (Kim); and daughter by love, Laurieann Cole (Seth); grandchildren, Jazmine Crever, Shane Hagan (Sarah), Sean Pavelchik, Hayden Pavelchik, Peyton Pentaris and Harper Pentaris; great grandchildren, Vivianna Hagan and Shane Jaxon Hagan; nieces Lori Popovich (Neil) and Kristin Shinden (Derek); and best friend Glenn Fluke. He is also survived by his many friends and firefighter family. “Steve Hagan, the After Party,” a celebration of Steve’s life, will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 6 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2720 Prospect Park Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rancho Cordova Little League, 11230 Gold Express Drive, Suite 310-197, Rancho Cordova CA 95670. Please note “Steve Hagan All-Star Memorial Fund” in the memo section.