Hipolito Lagares Jr., 68, of Vineland, retired deacon of the Diocese of Camden, died Jan. 22.
Ordained a deacon in 1997 by Most Rev. James T. McHugh, Deacon Lagares spent the majority of his ministry in Millville, serving first at Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, which later became the Parish of All Saints, before serving at Bridgeton’s Parish of the Holy Cross.
Deacon Lagares was born Sept. 22, 1953, in Utuado, Puerto Rico. His family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, brother and loving grandfather.
In addition to his work in the Diocese of Camden, Deacon Lagares worked for the New Jersey Department of Labor for more than 40 years. He also loved to cook and bake, jokingly referring to himself as “Chef Lagares.” He was also an avid reader of history, news, and, of course, cookbooks.
Deacon Russell Davis remembers his first assignment at then-Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, where Deacon Lagares quickly became his mentor. “With kindness, he helped me learn the ropes. He was a great model for how a deacon should handle his vocation. He was a lover of Scripture, and his powerful insights [expressed in his homilies] inspired me. He was a good man.”
Sharon Cichoski, office manager at the Parish of All Saints, worked with him during his entire time in Millville and recalled, “Deacon Polo … was always smiling and a good man” who served both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities of the parish. She noted he was a leader in the life of the parish and gave great care to his baptismal and funeral duties.
Deacon Lagares is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Loida (Cordero) Lagares, and his two children, Nelson Lagares and Monica Dwight-Lagares; and his two “little ones,” Oliver and Amelia Dwight, along with his mother-in-law, Maria Josefa Torres.
Also his eight brothers, Pedro Juan, Orlando, Reynaldo, Miguel, Osvaldo, Ramon, Jesus and Domingo; and five sisters, Rita Marie Androver, Carmen Anna Collazo, Adela Lagares, Milagros Lagares and Luz Minerva Reyes. He also has many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Hipolito and Gloria (Maldonado) Lagares Sr. and one brother, Jose Lagares.
Funeral services were held Jan. 27 followed by a private burial.
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