Brian G Bagley

Professor Brian G. Bagley, 88, died peacefully on December 22, 2022. He was born November 20, 1934 in Racine, Wisconsin. He was raised by his mother Ethel and his Danish grandmother. His father Wesley was killed during WWII when Brian was 10 years old. The memory of inventing a smoke bomb in his grandmother's basement in the sixth grade always made him laugh. For Brian's eighth grade year, he attended a one room school with his cousins at Raymond Center. He was proud of the "orange and blue" of Washington Park High School, where he ran cross country and excelled scholastically. While in college at the University of Wisconsin, Brian played guitar in a trio polka band to earn tuition money. He served in the US Army Reserves in the Corp of Engineers reaching the rank of captain. Brian rowed on the crew team for Wisconsin while he achieved his Bachelors of Science and Masters in Metallurgical Engineering. In 1959, Brian married Dorothy Olson, a native of Racine, before they moved to Harvard University for his Ph. D education in applied Physics. Brian's mentor and advisor was Professor David Turnbull who directed his dissertation. By graduation in 1968, Brian and Dorothy had 3 children. Brian was hired by the well-known Bell Laboratories at Murray Hill, NJ and became a Research Scientist. In 1975 Brian and his family lived in the Netherlands for one year while he was an exchange scientist working on fiber optics at Philips. After retirement from Bell, Brian moved to the University of Toledo to teach Physics. In 1991, he held the first Nippon Electric Glass Chair in Silciate and Materials Science. He built an active research group and mentored students to obtain their Ph. D. and increased the popularity of Material Science studies. Professor Bagley enjoyed teaching his "Physics for Poets" class better known as "Physics for Everyday Life"- which is still being taught today. His wide range of knowledge lead him to be invited to give numerous technical talks in many parts of the world. He has over 100 published papers and 15 issued patents. Brian loved all music especially jazz and classical. He was a huge Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers fan. He loved Harvard and UT as well. Brian was proud of his Lutheran heritage but attended St. Rose Catholic church in Perrysburg for over 20 years, where he enjoyed the guitar group and the lovely architecture. His favorite cities were, Venice, Italy and New York City, which he called "my town". After retirement from UT, unfortunately Alzheimer's took hold and progressed steadily. Brian established the David Turnbull Scholarship at UT in memory of his mentor and friend. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Wesley, and Dorothy. He is survived by his son Brian J. (Julia) Bagley of Lafayette, NJ, daughter Kristin M. (Frank) Romano of Gunnison, CO, son James D. Bagley of Bowling Green, OH; grandsons Anthony Romano of Polson, MT and Nicholas Romano of Des Moines, IA; several Wisconsin cousins and Sally (David) Bennett and family, who was his friend and caregiver for 30 years. Visitation will be at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service at noon. Burial will be at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, Wisconsin on Friday, January 6 at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome. Those wishing to leave a tribute in honor of Professor Bagley may consider the David Turnbull Scholarship Fund at the University of Toledo, or the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank the doctors of Waterville Family Physicians, St. Luke's Hospital and his numerous caregivers. Please leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Brian G Bagley

November 20, 1934 - December 22, 2022