Paul Dane Hagenburger

Paul Dane Hagenburger
March 2, 1952 – September 26, 2015

Paul Dane Hagenburger, 63, succumbed to Osteosarcoma after a valiant fourteen month battle in San Diego. He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Stephanie, son Kyle (Carmen Caserta) and daughter, Justine (William Twomey) and dearly loved grandson, Liam. Paul also leaves behind his mother, Lorraine Bolognia, sister, Joyce Tews, his goddaughter, Mairead Finn (Ann Mitchell), godson, Paul Jirash and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip and sister, Phyllis.
With a twinkle in his eye, Paul would share he was born at French Hospital (Pacific Alliance Medical Center) in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Paul had fond memories growing up on Griffin Avenue with his beloved family. As a little boy, he learned about his Czechoslovakian heritage through Sokol, a Slovakian organization. His sisters, Joyce and Phyllis, loved to dance and Paul was the popular dance partner. He also enjoyed swimming and tennis.
Paul graduated from Franklin High School winter, 1970. His richest memories of high school were playing football, a sport at which he excelled. Paul shared the honor of team captain his senior year. He was awarded offense All League Team and All Los Angeles City Team, 1969. Although he was offered many football scholarships, Paul opted to attend East Los Angeles College and transferred to Eastern Montana College (Montana State University Billings) his junior year.
Paul completed his undergraduate studies at California State University, Los Angeles, in 1975 with a BA in Physical Education. He continued his education acquiring two teaching credentials and a Master of Arts in Education. Paul’s credential in special education led him to a thirty-one year career with San Diego Unified School District. During his tenure with City Schools, Paul returned to Chapman University and earned a second masters in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling. Paul’s passion was the betterment of children – in the classroom or counseling. He relished his days with the children and his evenings as a therapist. Paul also enjoyed a twenty year career teaching in the MFT program at the University of Phoenix.
A humble man of few words, Paul embraced life everyday to the fullest. He was always happy and basked in the presence of family and friends. Paul loved hosting gatherings big or small and relished the holidays. Kyle and Justine were the core of his being and his beloved grandson, Liam, the joy of his life.
Paul’s celebration of life will be on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, 2015, in St. Therese Catholic Church (6016 Camino Rico, San Diego) at 11:00 a.m. Paul requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Augustine Shepherding Program, attention Brendan Johnston. Saint’s Shepherding Program provides guidance and support for students transitioning from middle school to high school fostering accountability, organization and a strong work ethic – values Paul held close to his heart.