Funny how a guy can have an effect on your life. I have always been proud to have played on a championship team in high school. As I got older I began to realize it all had very little to do with me but rather the guy who coached our team----- Lou Mager. He was demanding beyond demanding---he pushed us, trained us, yelled at us---screamed at us. (Watch the film Miracle about the US hockey team beating Russia in 1980. That Coach reminded me of Coach Mager)
Anyway, he developed and led a bunch of kids from a hick town in rural Connecticut who new nothing about the game of soccer to an UNDEFEATED SEASON (1959) and Conference Champions--which has never been equaled in the school's history.
When I learned of his death, I went to the soccer field where we played, found a nice suitable stone, brought it Moodus and placed it on his grave.
One only does things like this out of respect. I respect him and thank him for giving me something intangible but very real and very valuable
Thanks Coach----and may God have mercy on your soul
Coley, EHHS '60

Dear Rita and family,

I was so saddened to find that Lou has left us. He was my soccer coach at EHHS when we went to the state finals in 1959 and lost to his HS alma mater, Hale Ray.
I so wanted to see him again but it never happened. I admired him and will always remember him fondly. Until we meet again.

My Sincere Condolences,

Harvey Conklin Hilton, EHHS 1960

Dear Mager Family,
I knew Lou for 53 years (about 43 deliberately). I really enjoyed Lou whenever I hung around him as the father of my good friend Jim. He had wisdom and humor.
I am sorry I could not attend the funeral.
Love
Craig

I would like to extend the sincere sympathies of the entire family of Dan Maus, Jr. to the Mager family. Louie was a very special person to all of us. We enjoyed many happy visits with Louie and he held a very special place in my father Dan's life as a childhood pal and fellow baseball player at Hale Ray.

"Uncle Louie" will always have a very special place in my heart.

Once again our sincere sympathies to the Mager family on the loss of a truly wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,
Dana Maus

The world has lost a good person...and a very special friend. Lou was a superior Superintendent of School. He loved the superintendency. He was truly a superintendent's Superintendent.

Lou Mager was interim supt in Salem, CT when he hired me for my first teaching job.
He called me to tell me that the job I interviewed for he was NOT offering but had a different job.
He asked me if I wanted the job.
I said "I am very interested."
He said, "I didn’t ask you if you were interested. I asked you if you wanted the job."
Dr. Mager was great, direct and honest, a real gentleman.
I bumped into him at a meeting at Trinity College about 4 years ago; he hadn’t changed.
A nice man.
with Sympathy,
Tom

I am sorry for your family's loss. My father spoke often of Lou, and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet him while he worked in Stafford. He immediately put me at ease during my first teaching interview when he told me to relax and we then spoke UCONN hoops for twenty minutes. Mr. Mager was quick with his warm smiles and compliments. Again. I am sorry for your loss.

I worked with Lou on several committees and together we were able to change several State laws dealing with students. Lou was a great friend of all in education and a wonderful fellow to be around. I always looked forward to seeing him.
John Proctor, Retired Superintendent, Regional S. C. No. 4

Dr. Mager interviewed and hired me in 1980 for my very first teaching position in Enfield,CT. During the interview, he put me at ease with his kind, pleasant and even humorous mannerisms. Dr. Mager was a true professional and will be missed in the field of education as well as on a personal level. He was a good and kind man.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Mager's family during this sad time.

Dr. Mager was a kind, gentle man....he modelled for me what being an excellent educational leader is all about...thank you Dr. Mager for your fine example!
Bonnie Smyth Mazzoli

I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Mager in person but feel that I know him based on the stories that were shared by his daughters and grandchildren with me and I have come to realize that he had a profound influence on the lives of many; those close to him, and even some that never had the chance to meet him. I know his family and friends will miss him dearly but he leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Lou Mager was one of the finest educators I have had the privilege to know.I met him years ago while completing my dissertation and later worked with him when I was a Superintendent. My husband, Doc Celio worked as a teacher in Enfield for many years and always spoke fondly of him. I admired Lou's ability to deal with difficult situations , his sense of humor, his warmth, and his common sense. Just being in his company could brighten your day. I will remember him always and smile.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Anne Jellison

Good Teacher!! Gave me an interest in History. May he be in Jehovah God's memory..

We are both sorry. Lou was so special and he will be missed. I always called Lou, a philosopher, and I always enjoyed our conversations...especially about old time baseball heroes.

My deepest sympathies to the Mager family. I have many fond memories of "Uncle Louie" from playing with my Cabrera cousins in his backyard to his support of my dad, Jim Mahoney, in the professional realm. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Mary Anne Mahoney Butler

I will always hold dear to my heart Lou's good humor, great professionalism, and his incomparable "Magerisms". Lou will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him and to enjoy his prescence.

Rest in peace, Lou.

I am so sorry for your family's loss. My father spoke very highly of Lou and i had the opportunity to meet him.. He was a very true professional man and educator.. I am very sorry for your loss

Lou was a mensch in every sense of the word. As a new, young State Department of Education Bureau Chief of Curriculum and Professional Development his kind words to me kept me going during some difficult times. As Associate Commissioner and Commissioner I could rely on him to cut through the jargon and give me straight, honest feedback. He was a decent, sincere and warm human being who helped me throughout my career. I, and many others, will miss him.

I am very sorry for your loss. Lou was a great educator and a great man. He always had a great smile and told a wonderful story. He became the interim superintendent of schools in Canton when I left and always thanked and kidded me about getting him the job. He will be missed. David B. Erwin, Superintendent of Schools Berlin, CT

One of the finest gentlemen that I ever had the pleasure of knowing has passed. Not only was he a fine educator, but Lou had a special way of dealing with people. Not only did he possess a wonderful sense of humor, but his insights were deep, and his opinions of real value. He was a solid individual, seemingly loved by all. Lou shall be dearly missed by countless friends and acquaintances. To his family, all of us who had the honor to know him, extend our deepest condolences.

I knew Lou for several years when I worked in Manchester and always found him to be bright, funny, and dedicated to his profession. I am happy that I knew him.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have always consdiers Lou a great friend and colleague.

His smile....wonderful sense of humor...and what a professional...we will miss him very much ....Alan

Lou Mager was interim supt in Salem, CT when he hired me for my first teaching job.
He called me to tell me that the job I interviewed for he was NOT offering but had a different job.
He asked me if I wanted the job.
I said "I am very interested."
He said, "I didn’t ask you if you were interested. I asked you if you wanted the job."
Dr. Mager was great. Direct and honest. A real gentleman.
I bumped into him at a meeting at Trinity College about 4 years ago; he hadn’t changed.
A nice man.
Tom

Lou was my great and good friend for forty years. I will miss him very much.

My husband, Bob Lengyel, was a teacher in Enfield when Lou was the superintendent. Bob always spoke very highly of Lou, as an educator, but more importantly, as a man. We knew he was always working for what was best for the students in Enfield. I can still remember the times we would see Lou in the grocery store where he always had time for a chat or story, a laugh and a departing smile.

I had Mr. Mager for 8th grade History class. It was in a little room that used to be the library, in the old high school in the center of East Hampton. He just shook his head and apologized for the small crowded room.
I can remember him hurrying into class with his history book, grade book and papers under one arm and a heavy briefcase in the other hand. There was no question in anyone's mind that you didn't give Mr. Mager any trouble. He was a good teacher.
I had him later for a soccer coach running us to death, but getting us into shape. We played Moodus one afternoon in Moodus. At halftime on the bus, Mr. Mager was so mad at us for what he though we were not running hard enough. He talked through his teeth saying we were going to have a tough practice the next day. He stormed off the bus only to return a short while later with a sheepish look on his face. He said the other coach said we were running his team into the ground and asked if we would let up a bit. He trained his team like the Trojen Army.Be able to run 20 miles and fight and win a battle when they got there.
We had a normal practice the next day. He was a good coach.
God Bless Lou Mager. I'm 66 years old and I remember him like it was yesterday.

I had Mr. Mager for 8th grade History class. It was in a little room that used to be the library, in the old high school in the center of East Hampton. He just shook his head and apologized for the small crowded room.
I can remember him hurrying into class with his history book, grade book and papers under one arm and a heavy briefcase in the other hand. There was no question in anyone's mind that you didn't give Mr. Mager any trouble. He was a good teacher.
I had him later for a soccer coach running us to death, but getting us into shape. We played Moodus one afternoon in Moodus. At halftime on the bus, Mr. Mager was so mad at us for what he though we were not running hard enough. He talked through his teeth saying we were going to have a tough practice the next day. He stormed off the bus only to return a short while later with a sheepish look on his face. He said the other coach said we were running his team into the ground and asked if we would let up a bit. He trained his team like the Trojen Army.Be able to run 20 miles and fight and win a battle when they got there.
We had a normal practice the next day. He was a good coach.
God Bless Lou Mager. I'm 66 years old and I remember him like it was yesterday.

Dear Rita - I am so very sorry to learn of Lou's passing. I have fond memories of him in East Hampton. My late husband, Ed, was also a teacher and Assistant Principal and subsequently Principal in East Hampton and Lou was a very special friend of ours - a wonderful man.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jan Sperry

Very sorry to hear about Lou. He was a friend and colleague. He always had a smile on his face and a good word for everyone. He will be missed.

Sincerely,

Dave Larson
Reited Supt. Middletown, CT , and
Executive Director Emeritus
CAPSS

Rita, i`m so sorry to hear of Lou`s passing. I have such fond memories of him coming to our house in E. hampton. My sincerst sympathies to you and family. I wish you well and maybe I`ll hear from you sometime, I live in Md. Now near my daughter and fam. Sincerely, Trudy Schonberger

Dear Rita and family,
It was a joy to know and work with Lou. As others have said, he was a superintendent's superintendent. I have many happy memories of my association with him. He was a colleague and friend on whom one could always rely. My sincere sympathy to you all.
Marcia Yulo Howard

To Rita and Family,

I extend my deepest condolences and may your days get better as time passes on.

Best always,

Dick

My heartfelt condolences to the Mager family. Coach Mager was an inspiring influence in my young and restless life and I will always thank him for that. One cannot imagine what it is like for a teenager to read in their yearbook a comment, "thanks for the many great soccer games, you made me look like a smart coach." He's coaching a great team now, I know. I will never forget the man!!!!!

Dear Family of Dr. Mager,
I was fortunate to work in Enfield during the years when Dr. Mager was superintendent and I hold him in the highest esteem.
Before the December holidays and at the end of the year, he visited every classroom to give staff and students good wishes.
He knew the names of most of the staff and was infinitely kind.
In spite of his closeness to his staff, he was held in high regard and people seemed to grow professionally under his leadership. His years in as superintendent brought joy to staff and students.
Sandra Chamberlain

Dear Magers,
I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I have such fond memories of him and of you. Dr. Mager was the one who hired me for my first teaching job, fresh out of college, and I am still teaching in Enfield 30 years later. I will be forever greatful to him for allowing me that opportunity.
I also have many wonderful memories of time spent at your house. Your dad was so fun to be around - he always made me laugh! He was a great guy!

Wishing all of you peace,

Ann (Kweder) Ziter

I'm so sorry to hear of Lou's passing; he was a wonderful person, and great superintendent. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Bill Breck

I was quite fortunate to teach during Mr. Mager's time in Enfield. I found him to be a compassionate leader and a fine role model for myself as a teacher. Bless him in his passing and comfort to his family and friends in this time of loss.

Lou's life exemplified for me,the ideal Guidance Counselor:kind-hearted,gentle and unique among his peers for his warmth, success, generosity and devotion to family. Sherry and I are saddened by his death and send our love and heartfelt condolences to Rita and his adored and loving family. We will cherish his memory always,
Myles and Sherry Hubbard

Dear Rita and Family,
Honey and I pray your loss is tempered by the rich and loving memories of Lou. I remember with great fondness my meeting Lou when I attended my first Hockanum Valley Superintendents' Meeting in 1986.It was the beginning of a wonderful collegial relationship and more importantly a personal friendship. I will always remember Lou's warmth, unequivocal dedication to his studnets' education and palpable sense of humor and joy

We wish to express our deepest condolence to you and your family on Lou's passing. His broad smile and inffectious laugh will surely be missed.
sincerely
Joe and Terry Guccione

I haven't seen Lou in over 60 years but his smile and mannerisms and good nature are as clear to me now as they were then. I often walked three miles to school so that Lou might offer to carry my books the last mile! I remember sitting with him when he lost his mother at an early age. He was a true buddy. I am so saddened-my heartfelt sympathy to Estelle and the whole family I never had the pleasure of meeting.

I was an Enfield School teacher who knew and loved Lou Mager. He was approachable, kind and funny. No town ever had a better super and no teachers ever had a better friend. He'll be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Lou was a great peron as a friend and a professional associate. His keen mind wa an asset in all his dealings with people. His sense of humor and advice given to me will long be remembered. As mentioned in his obituary he will be deeply missed. He was a rare person who made such an impact on many, many lives.

My sympathy to the Mager family. Lou was a wonderful man! I remember how easy it was to talk with him. I remember how he took an interest in his teachers. God Bless.

We wish to send our deepest sympathies to the Mager family. Our thoughts are with you throughout this difficult time. Yours truly, Marcie Wolosoff and Eugene Rinaldi

Dear Rita & Family. We are so sad and sorry to hear of Lou's passing. We have many happy memories of the years that our families were growing up together. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and know that we are thinking of all of you.
Sincerely, Jerry, Jan, Tony, Todd, Tim & Troy Wingen

I will always treasure the memories of Lou at our annual luncheons for retired superintendents. He was truly a gentleman, with a contagious sense of humor and an educator who made a significant difference in the lives of many. He will be missed.

Vincent Mustaro
Retired Superintendent-Clinton