Socrates G Bagiackas

On July 3, 2011 Socrates George Bagiackas died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in his home in Toms River. His devoted wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Pluhar Bagiackas, was his primary caregiver during his final months, supported by his surviving children. He was predeceased in 1952 by his son, Martin Peter.

Socrates was born on September 2, 1915 in Utica, N.Y. and there established a love for the Adirondack Mountains. He graduated from Manhattan College I937. While raising his family in Plainfield, N.J., he was a communicant and active member of St. Mary’s Church. A chemist for American Cyanamid for 43 years, he received national recognition for his role in bringing the medication Methotrexate to production.

In 1980 he and Betty moved to Silver Ridge Park, Toms River. They enjoyed traveling with friends in the United States and Europe. Soc, as he was fondly known, was a life-long sports fan, fisherman, golfer and bridge player. He also served as a volunteer for the Holiday City Rescue Squad for 13 years.

In addition to his wife, Soc is survived by his devoted children Mab Finch and husband Sal Evola, Claudia Bagiackas and husband Paul Council, Jean and husband Nicholas Moretti, Kit and husband Pete Connaughton, Michael and wife Kathleen Poole, and Thomas and wife Barbara. In addition, he cherished his grandchildren Ian and Tyler Maas; Zoe Fyfe; Paul, Michael and Laura Moretti; Ryan, Kyle and Martha Connaughton, Ananda and Emrys Bagiackas; Maya Haviland; Joshua Seth, Matthew and Jeremiah Friedman; and his 15 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 8:30 to 11:00 AM on July 5 at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home and to participate in the Mass of Christian burial at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. At a later date, the ashes of Socrates will be laid to rest in Bound Brook.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Van Dyke Hospice Center 99 Rt. 37 West, Toms River, N.J. 08755.