Frank Nagy

FRANK NAGY

QUINCY — Frank Stephen Nagy, age 96, passed into glory on Aug. 3, 2019 at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, Illinois. He was born on Nov. 13, 1922 to Hungarian immigrants, Ferenc (Frank) Nagy and Terezia (Csak) Nagy in Divernon, Illinois. At the age of 7, his mother died after childbirth. Frank and his three younger brothers were taken to live at the Catholic Children's Home in Alton, Illinois. Frank had fond memories and gratitude for the nuns and priests who taught and cared for them. At age 14, the Henry Ringman family took him in to live and work at their store on Logan Street in Alton. They saw to it that he attended Marquette High School. In 1940, Frank went to live with Charles and Leona Spooner who needed a strong boy to assist them in caring for their disabled son. Frank graduated from Marquette in 1941. After graduation, he worked at Sessel's Clothing Store.

Frank enlisted in the United States Merchant Marines in 1942. He attended the Basic Training School in St. Petersburg, Florida and was then admitted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. As an engine cadet, he spent eight months at sea, where he survived a torpedo attack. Frank graduated with a degree in Marine Engineering in May, 1945 and commissioned into the US Naval Reserve. He achieved the rank of Chief Engineer Marine and Lieutenant in the Navy. As a mariner, Frank sailed around the world many times both in wartime and in peacetime.

In 1949, Frank left the sea and came home to Alton, where he met June Collins through her sister, Dorothy, who had recently married Frank's brother, Bill. Frank and June were married at St. Patrick's Church in Alton on Oct. 18, 1950.

The new Illinois Power plant was being constructed in Wood River and Frank was hired for his knowledge of steam turbines. He worked in supervisory roles at Illinois Power and wrote the maintenance manual for the plant, which was still in use after his retirement. In 1989, Frank retired after 40 years of loyal service.

Frank was an avid gardener, photographer, enjoyed the beauty of nature. He loved his family, especially children. Frank and June enjoyed traveling and camping throughout North America. Their most memorable trip being in 1989 when they spent two months driving and camping throughout Alaska. For eleven years, they served as volunteers at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois. Frank and June attended First Presbyterian Church in Alton.

Frank is survived by his wife, June, a son, Robert (Debbie) Nagy of Manchester, Missouri, a daughter, Janice (Kurt)Leimbach of Quincy, brother, Jim (Marilyn) Nagy of Jacksonville, Illinois, and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Nagy of Godfrey, Illinois, and Helen Nagy of Bethalto, Illinois.

He is survived by 5 grandchildren - Kathryn (Brandon) Gaines of Lexington, Kentucky, Thomas (Colleen) Nagy of Chicago, Illinois, Diane (Jonathan)Mathis of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, James (Carrie) Nagy of Ballwin, Missouri, and Susan (Daniel)Cain of Pikeville, Kentucky.

Frank is survived by 4 great-grandchildren - Elayne and Corrine Mathis, Henry Gaines, and Zachary Nagy.

In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his brothers William Nagy and John Nagy, infant sister, Matilda Nagy, and infant brother, Joseph Nagy.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring staff and friends at Good Samaritan Home and all those involved in his care from Quincy Medical Group.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Internment will be in Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials can be made to the Good Samaritan Home of Quincy, Illinois or the charity of the donor's choice. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com