David R. “Dave” Hagadorn – 68 – of 9055 State Route 36, Arkport, died early Thursday morning (April 19, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on July 8, 1949, he was the son of Clifford & Lulu (VanScoter) Hagadorn.

Dave grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967). While in high school, he excelled in several sports, but primarily made his mark as a pitcher for the Hornell Red Raider Baseball Team. During those years, Dave also was an All-Star Pitcher in the Hornell Babe Ruth League and later the Older Babe Ruth League. It was during these formative years that he became one of the best pitchers in the area and was known to possess a 95 per hour fastball.

Earning a full athletic scholarship to Mansfield University, Dave pitched for the Mansfield Mounties. While at Mansfield, he caught the attention of several Major League Baseball Teams and was eventually signed by the Cincinnati Reds. Dave pitched for the Reds Farm teams until injury resulted in the end of his professional baseball career. He had the fortunate experience of playing with baseball greats Johnny Bench and Ken Griffey, Sr.

In 1974, Dave enlisted in the United States Army and enrolled in Officer’s Candidate School. He served his country until he was awarded an honorable discharge in 1976.

Dave was married on June 12, 1971 to the former Delmar “Del” Ratkowski whom he met while both were attending Mansfield University. Together they resided in the Arkport area for nearly 48 years raising their family and sharing their lives with their many, many friends.

An accomplished carpenter & contractor, Dave owned & operated Hagadorn Builders and throughout the years built and remodeled approximately 100 homes, mostly in the Hornell – Arkport area.

He loved keeping physically fit and for many years was a devoted runner, often running 5 – 10 miles following a hard day’s work building homes. A construction work accident at the age of 50 limited most of his fitness ambitions. Dave was an avid sports fan and loved rooting for his beloved New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.

Dave will be remembered as a loving and devoted family man who loved his wife and children unconditionally. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his children grow up and loved watching them play sports and participate in school functions. He especially loved “playing ball” with his kids after a hard day’s work. He was actively involved with coaching his children in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs in Arkport and Hornell, and contributed much of his free time with the construction of the Arkport Central School baseball and soccer fields. In his retirement, Dave enjoyed being outdoors doing yard work, while having his dog “Bella” by his side. He loved visiting with friends, always delivering a cup of McDonald’s coffee and sharing funny stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff & Lulu Hagadorn.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Delmar “Del” Hagadorn; his daughter, Robyn (Ramsey) Batmangelich of Chicago, IL; 2 sons, Scott (Colleen) Hagadorn of Pittsford, NY and Bryan Hagadorn of Alexandria, VA; his brother, Gary Hagadorn of Charleston, SC; his grandson, Ryder Batmangelich; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of David R. ‘Dave” Hagadorn will receive friends on Saturday (April 21, 2018) from 12:00 (Noon) until 4:00 PM the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Dave’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.