Peter R. Hagberg of Old Saybrook passed away on May 29 at the age of 86 after a long illness. He was the beloved spouse of Patricia (Nelson) Hagberg, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Orlo and Louise (Haenny) Hagberg, he grew up in neighboring Poland. While he and Pat lived and raised their family in many different places, including a stint in Germany, he retained a lifelong allegiance to Ohio.

Upon his graduation from Poland Seminary High School in 1946, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served in active duty for 2 years, followed by 2 years in the Navy Reserves and 9 years in the Air Force Reserves. He was particularly proud of being a veteran and retained many vivid memories of his time in the service, including sailing through the Panama Canal.

He graduated with a business degree from Miami University of Ohio in 1952, and went on to a long and successful career in marketing, first at Standard Oil of Ohio and then, for many years, IBM. He retired from IBM in North Carolina in 1987. But his desire to be closer to his children and grandchildren drew him to Old Saybrook, where he spent more years than any other place during his married life, and where he loved the life he lived.

A charismatic man who enjoyed being with people, Peter was a man of many interests. He never lost his boyhood interest in automobiles, especially antique and sports cars. He traveled extensively for business and pleasure and took on each trip with relish. In his later years, he traveled to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day, took a solo trip to Alaska, and toured the National Parks.

He was an avid gardener; the vegetable garden he established at his daughter’s Connecticut home and now under her stewardship is a legacy that will be carried forward for generations.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Karen, spouse of Mark Jackson, of New York City, and Linnea, spouse of Loren French, of Gloucester, Massachusetts; four granddaughters, Rachel and Katie Jackson and Sophie and Phoebe Hagberg; his brother-in-law Lee Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Monroe.

A memorial service will be held on June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Swan Funeral Homes. Online condolences can be left at www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to SeniorCare Meals on Wheels, 49 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA 01930.