Donald "Scott" Hager

Donald "Scott" Hager of Horseheads was reunited with his loved ones in heaven on Monday, November 3rd 2025 after his family witnessed a glorious sunset from the 9th floor of the Robert Packer Hospital. Scott was born in 1961 in Elmira, New York to his late parents Donald and Suzanne Hager. He was also predeceased by his brother David Hager in 1982. The loss of his brother was a life-defining moment for Scott, and he often spoke fondly of his brother.
Scott is survived by his loving wife, Tina and son, Ben Hager, Ben's fiancee Kailie Moore, and their newborn daughter Ava Rae Hager. He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Becky) Hager. Scott had a close bond with his mother Suzanne and also formed a special relationship with Tina's mother, Emma. When Scott and Tina married in 1987, Scott embraced Tina's large family and enjoyed close relationships with her siblings Tim & Rita Edwards, Chris & Annette Burgess, Gina & Dan Williams, and Kelly Tinker & Dan Kurowski. Uncle Scott will be missed by his eight nephews and two nieces. He had the love of a good dog for most of his life. His favorites were Sparky, Lucky, and Bandit.
Scott was a devoted son, husband, and father and relished spending time at the Hager family's cottage on Keuka Lake. He loved boating, swimming, water skiing, and watching the sunset while there. Scott enjoyed cooking, gardening, and keeping his vehicle clean. Those who knew Scott will remember him for his dedication to everything he did, his empathy for others, and his commitment to spreading kindness to everyone he encountered.
While in high school Scott was a Star-Gazette newspaper carrier on Elmira's southside where he grew up, and his customers adored him for his polite, friendly personality and dependability. He worked more than twenty years in the transportation field and retired in 2017 as a school bus driver for the Horseheads Central School District. He trained new drivers and helped with the Buster program to teach bus safety to kindergarteners. After retirement, Scott volunteered as a meal delivery driver for Meals on Wheels.
Music was an important part of Scott's life. He played trombone in the Southside High School Marching Band and attended the Bandtoberfest in Corning annually to support the young musicians. He listened to music throughout the day every day and liked to whistle while he worked. He didn't always know the words to the song, but he knew the melody having learned some songs from his father who was also a whistler. Scott treasured holidays and Tina will miss hearing him sing and whistle Christmas carols.
In the last eight years of his life, he was challenged by the symptoms and treatments for end stage renal disease. He had a kidney transplant in 2018 and was profoundly grateful to the stranger who provided a live donation for him. When that kidney failed, he and his wife were dedicated to helping him feel his best through home dialysis. The family would like to express their appreciation to the many caring medical professionals who treated Scott over the years. A special thanks goes to his Facebook friends who provided him support and encouragement every day.
The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St., at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Saturday, November 8, 2025 with calling hours from 10am to Noon, with a celebration of life to follow. Scott's friend Pastor Dave Swartwood will conduct the service. A Zoom link will be provided for those who want to participate but are unable to attend in person. Scott will be laid to rest at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to remember Scott, please consider donating to one of these charities that were meaningful to Scott: Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, RSVP of Chemung County, and the Arctic League.