John Manuel Lagos

John “Jack” Manuel Lagos, a celebrated psychologist, loving family man, passionate gardener, and gifted storyteller, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on February 10, 2026 at the age of 85. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter, and deep human connection.

Born in Patterson, New Jersey, the son of an Irish American mother, Eileen Quigley, and a Spanish immigrant father, Manuel F. Lagos, Jack was raised amongst four grandparents, twenty-five aunts and uncles and twenty-nine first cousins, along with his beloved brothers Tony Lagos, Buzz Lagos, and Jerry Lagos. Jack spent much of his early years on the basketball court, first with his brothers in the yard, then eventually playing varsity basketball in high school, and going on to play at university. He received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University, entered seminary in Germany, studying at University of Innsbruck in Austria for Theological Studies, and went on to earn his PhD in psychology from Fordham University. Jack took tremendous pride in his work as a psychologist in private practice in Chatham, NJ for over 50 years. He served as New Jersey Psychological Association President in 1986 as well as longtime NJPA Foundation President supporting future mental health professionals training to work with underserved populations. He was NJPA's 1998 Psychologist of the Year and he received NJPA's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. His legacy of generosity is honored through the NJPA Foundation's The John M. Lagos Award granted each year to a student pursuing research into causes and/or treatment of social problems.

Endlessly fascinated by the wonders of the world, Jack took tremendous pleasure in nature and reveled in visiting countless national parks, hiking with his family, and photographing the stunning vistas along the way. Yet it was his passion for gardening that invigorated his daily life and fed his soul. Over the decades, Jack carefully created a botanical garden bursting with a tapestry of flowering plants and perfectly placed trees. He hosted garden tours in the summers and drew the admiration and awe of all who were fortunate enough to wander through his garden sanctuary. He tended each plant in his garden meticulously, nurturing and coaxing them into their own stunning glory. Jack cared for his plants much in the way that he cared for his people, with a full heart, an open mind, and a tender touch. He brought out the beauty in all of us.

Jack loved listening to people’s stories and delving into the deep questions of the human condition - his brilliant mind was matched only by his tremendous heart and infinite generosity of spirit. His welcoming home was a beacon, a place of gatherings through the years where no one ever left hungry or unheard. He was a mentor and father figure to so many, teaching by example how to show up fully, love generously, and remain curious about the world - finding the beauty and the laughter even in the hardest moments.

He was and will forever be remembered as a deeply loving father and grandfather, a warmhearted brother, and a devoted husband. He is survived by his wife Chris Holle, his daughters and their husbands, Chelsea and Foster McGinty and Aimée Lagos and Lee Clay, and his adoring grandchildren Jaida, Donovan, and Lyric. His absence is profoundly felt, but his presence endures in wisdom shared, stories told and retold, gardens grown, meals shared and most importantly in the love he gave so freely. Words cannot contain the expansiveness of Jack and the profound impact he had on this world – we are all forever changed for having known and loved him. He is deeply missed.

There will be an Open House Celebration of Life held in his honor on March 7, 2026 at Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit, NJ from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. All are welcome.

Donations can be made in his honor to any of these organizations that Jack loved so deeply:

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater – dedicated to enriching the field of dance in the vision of Alvin Ailey, sharing the African American cultural experience through performances, training, and community programs. Give at: https://ailey.org/give

The Sierra Club – dedicated to the protection of wildlife and wild spaces. Give At: Sierraclub.org

New Jersey Psychological Association Foundation - promoting the psychological health of the diverse people of New Jersey. Give at: https://psychologynj.org/page/Foundation