William E. Nagle

1941 - 2017

February 16, 1941 - August 16, 2017 William Edward Nagle, award-winning land-scape architect whose public works enhanced the quality of life for millions of Los Angelinos, died in his Silverlake home on August 16th. He was 76 years old. Bill was born to Theophane Ann Miller and Malcolm Irven Nagle Sr., on February 16, 1941, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Bishop Kendrick High School in Norristown and three years later joined the Army. He served as an intelligence officer in Taiwan at the height of the Cold War and in 1964 was honorably discharge. Soon thereafter, Bill moved to Southern California spending time in San Diego and Pasadena, before settling in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Bill received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture in 1974 at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, and was quickly hired by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). For over 30 years, he immersed himself in the noble task of transforming a cement desert of freeways and river basins into verdant pockets of grassy, leafy parks. He also authored numerous grants to clean up air quality, promote pedestrian and bicycling opportunities, restore habitat and provide scenic overlooks. Bill's proudest professional achievement was his work on the Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka Pasadena Freeway), Southern California's only national scenic byway. Bill is survived by his brother Robert Nagle from Norvelt, PA, and his sisters Linda Nagle-Warner from Annapolis, MD, and Maryann Nagle-Fiaschetti from Pasadena, MD. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theophane and Malcolm, and two brothers, Malcolm and Bruce. Bill loved smooth jazz; his favorite artist was Michael Franks. So the next time you find yourself cruising along the Arroyo Seco Parkway, take in the lush greenery, listen to some light jazz and, please, say a little prayer for Bill.