JOSEPH V. NAGY

Oct. 19, 1925 - Dec. 19, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Joseph V. Nagy, 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in his home in South Bend, IN. He was born on Oct. 19, 1925, to Emery and Anne (Nemes) Nagy. 

Joe grew up in South Bend, IN, and attended Our Lady of Hungary grade school & Washington High School. He honorably served his country in the United States Marines during WW II in the South Pacific from 1944-1946, and again during the Korean War from 1950-1951. During his service time, Joe received two Purple Hearts.

He married the love of his life, Rose Freitag, on May 10, 1947. He and Rose have eight children, all surviving: Joseph (Nancy) Nagy, Roseann (Dane) Hamilton, Marian (Ken) Hintz, Ronald Nagy, Jeanie (Scott) Martz, Joanie (Lee) Snyder, Donald (Debbi) Nagy and Patricia (Bob) Johnson.

Joe lived a very active life. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in South Bend, and previously, a member of Our Lady of Hungary Church where he ran the weekly Sunday night bingo for the Holy Name Society. Joe was one of the founders of South Side Little League and served as an umpire for numerous years. For years he was secretary for the German Club. He performed assorted functions at the Hungarian Club, and enjoyed multiple outings with the Breezers Social Club. Joe was fully engaged with the Democratic Party, holding various fundraisers for them. He enjoyed countless road trips to see his beloved Chicago Cubs. Family and friends would enjoy seeing Joe and his wife at every home Notre Dame football game, as well as many away games.

Joe was employed by Studebaker for many years, and then in 1956, he joined the South Bend Fire Department, where he was Assistant Fire Chief from 1972-1975. After 20 years of service, Joe retired from the department in 1976. He then worked for Abstract & Title, the South Bend Water Works, and the Weights & Measures Department, finally retiring in 1991. Upon retirement, Joe received The Sagamore of the Wabash award.

Joe was an inspiration to many people, especially his family. He led by example; he offered guidance and support, and he spoke words of wisdom to learn by. His motto was "Treat others as you want to be treated."

Joe's parents preceded him in death as well as three sisters, Mary Niezgodski, Anne Deak and Irene Niedosik. He is survived by three brothers, Emery, Vince and Toby Nagy; his eight children; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Rd., South Bend, IN, on Monday, Dec. 23, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family today, Dec. 22, from 4:00 to 7:00, with a Rosary being recited at 4:00 in the Zahoran Funeral Home located at 1826 Kemble Ave. in South Bend, IN. The family would like to thank the Center for Hospice Care for their exemplary care and compassion during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 4637. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Dec. 21 to Dec. 22, 2013

05/05/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/joseph-nagy-obituary?id=13096733