Rosa A. "Rah" Hagin

HARDYSTON - Rosa A. "Rah"� Hagin, Ph.D., 92, died at home after a brief illness on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014. Born to William and Jennie Hagin in Elizabeth, she had lived in Manhattan, N.Y., and Cranford before moving to Hardyston 12 years ago.

Dr. Hagin was an educational psychologist, teacher and advocate for children and adults with learning disabilities. In her early years she taught in the demonstration school of Trenton State College, which was her alma mater. She later returned to New York University where she received her Doctorate in Educational Psychology. She completed an internship at Bellevue Hospital (officially as a fellow in clinical psychology in the Department of Psychiatry of NYU School of Medicine) and continued her work there for several years where her primary role was research. She, along with Archie Silver, M.D., developed the Search & Teach Program, which was validated by the U.S. Department of Educations Joint Dissemination Review Panel. Their research has been reported in a recently published book, "Disorder of Learning in Childhood," and in 77 papers. Dr. Hagin served as division president of Division of School Psychology of the American Psychological Association in 1972-1973 and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1979, the year she started work at Fordham. While at Fordham, she served on university committees of research and on the board of the Fordham University Press. Dr. Hagin organized the School Consultation Center in 1983, which was later named after her. Although she retired in 1990, her work at Fordham continued. She remained involved with Learning Disabilities Association of America where she headed the Professional Advisory Board and chaired the Program Committee in 1994. She also had a dedicated private practice for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Dr. Hagin was predeceased by a nephew, Keith Deckhut (1999) and is the dear sister of Millicent Deckhut, of Hardyston. Devoted aunt of Susan Killacky, of Hardyston. Cherished grandaunt of T.J., Christopher and Emily Killacky, Rob and Tracy Deckhut.

The family will receive their friends at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main St., Franklin, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10. Funeral service will be at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Memorial gifts to the Special Olympics, 1133 19th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036; or the Franklin First Presbyterian Church, 11-13 Main St., Franklin, NJ 07416 would be appreciated. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.