Deceased July 15, 2020
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In Memory
Victor Maccagnan Sr. (B.A., M.Ed., J.D.), 88, died in Princeton, N.J., on July 15, 2020. Vic was born on Jan. 14, 1932, in Hackensack, N.J., a first-generation U.S. citizen.
A brilliant student and an exceptionally gifted athlete, Vic excelled in the classroom and on the playing fields. He starred for the Lord Jeffs for four years in both varsity baseball and varsity football. However, his true focus was in the classroom and on learning. Nicknamed “Hollywood Vic” by his friends because he moved through his life so happily, handsomely and effortlessly, he was at heart an extremely humble, studious and honorable man.
His athletic talents (hitting home runs, at Amherst specifically) drew the notice of the Boston Braves (predecessor of today’s Atlanta Braves). Urged by the Braves to play in the prestigious Cape Cod league, then and now a grooming ground for ballplayers with professional potential, he turned the opportunity down, as he had previously committed to work on the family farm that summer.
Attending Georgetown Law after graduation, he began teaching while still a student, to feed himself while sitting for the bar. He also met and married Mary Elizabeth Finstad (known as Mitzi), who would be his loving wife of 60 years, although, sadly, she predeceased him.
Vic never stopped teaching. He had a gift and a passion that he never stopped using, shaping the lives of countless young men and women for more than 55 years. He served as headmaster, dean of students, department head and other senior positions over the years, but his greatest joy was found as a simple teacher with a book, a board and some chalk in front of a class.
Vic is survived by three brothers and a sister, three sons, two daughters (including Suzie Maccagnan ’85), seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Suzie Maccagnan ’85