Gary W. "Brush" Hagen

Gary W. "Brush" Hagen, 71, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on October 29, 2023, at The Cleveland Clinic. He was born on May 2, 1952, in Akron, Ohio.

Gary, known as The Brush, was a very talented artist and the owner/operator of Brush Signs & Wonders. He left his position at the City of Akron, Traffic Engineering Department to pursue his passion. Over the years, Gary's work gained recognition, with his most famous local masterpiece being the oval ceiling in the center of The Chapel Hill Mall. His artistic talent was showcased in numerous articles in the Akron Beacon Journal, starting with his signage work at the old 76 station at Brown and Lovers Ln when he was just a teenager. Gary has painted a Goodyear Blimp, The Saturn V in Fla and the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. Gary lettered countless racecars in the area that raced at Barberton and other NEO Track.

Gary is survived by his son Samuel Hagen (Allanah) and granddaughter Samiyah Hagen, as well as his daughter Seema Hagen (Frank). He is also survived by his sisters Becki Mullen and Marie (Vince) Rizzo, and his brother Mike (Caroljean) Hagen. Sister-In-Laws, Becky, Debbie & Alta Hagen.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Mona Hagen, his parents Garfield L and Jean E Hagen, and his brothers Rick, Jim, and Mark Hagen.

Gary attended Garfield High School in Akron. He was a 40+ year member of the Akron Bible Church and a past volunteer at the Hope Cafe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Heritage Cremation and Burial. Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, Nov 4, 2023 at 3pm at The Akron Bible Church, 783 Brown St, Akron, OH 44311. Fellowship and food to follow next door at the Bill Denton Center. Feel free to bring a side dish.

We will always remember Gary for his exceptional artistic talent and his contributions to the Akron community. He will be deeply missed by all of us.