Oliver S. Hagerman ’49

Date posted: November 8, 2024, 8:47 am

On the afternoon of May 15, 2024, Oliver “Summers” Hagerman III of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully at age 97, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by three brothers: William, Robert and Maury.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey, to Oliver and Kathryn Hagerman, his formative years were in Darien, Connecticut. He was class of ’44 at Phillips Exeter Academy, in Exeter, New Hampshire, and after serving his country in the US Navy, graduated from MIT (Tau Beta Pi), in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He earned his MBA from the University of Cincinnati.

During his early career he worked as an engineer for Procter and Gamble and a small startup company. In 1955, he joined Formica Corporation, where he worked as a production and distribution manager for the next three decades, mostly in Cincinnati, Ohio, and, during 1965-1967, in Sacramento, California. Summers was handy with tools and kept a well-organized workshop, with parts and supplies. He made many repairs and upgrades to his home. He and his wife were avid gardeners. He appreciated good music and was a connoisseur of the Great American Songbook. He was generous with his time and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He always was well met and quick with pearls of wisdom. He had very strong Christian faith.

Summers gave in death as he gave in life by bequeathing his body to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Summers is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Jeannette; adored sons Richard, David, and Oliver (Cathy); two grandchildren John E. Hagerman and Kathryn E. Hagerman Medina; four great-grandchildren Jude V. Hagerman, Jacqueline R. Hagerman, Mila A, Hagerman, and Gabriel H. Medina Hagerman.