IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Richard S.

Richard S. Nagy Profile Photo

Nagy

June 17, 1935 – March 17, 2023

Obituary

After a hard-fought battle with an ongoing heart condition, Richard S. Nagy passed away on March 17, 2023. Richard lived a wonderful 87 years and tried fiercely to stay strong and mobile to remain safe in his own home, until his final hospitalization at Henry Ford Macomb.

Richard leaves behind his loving daughter, Sharon Ballard (AKA: Shari); caring son-in-law, Dr. Rajan S. Krishnan, and beloved grandson, Nicholas Krishnan.

Richard S. Nagy was born on June 17, 1935 in Barton Ohio to Alex and Mary (Nee: Sadowski) Nagy. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Nagy, in 2012.

Richard attended Wheeling Catholic High School, earning junior varsity and varsity letters in baseball, and graduated in 1953. He moved to the Detroit area to pursue a career in the auto industry and retired after 40 years at The Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. Richard was also a veteran, having served for the U.S. Army in Germany and in the Reserves.

Richard married the love of his life, Shirley Donner, in 1970. They enjoyed spending time together with their family and friends. Both Richard and Shirley enjoyed visiting their Schuss Mountain condominium, boating, fishing, golf outings, playing baseball, bowling, playing cards (bridge, pinochle, euchre, poker, and cribbage), solving crossword puzzles (most recently, Wordle), and Yahtzee. Richard was thrilled to have thrown three Yahtzees while hospitalized, giving him his own highest game ever, just nine hours before passing away.

After moving from Dearborn Heights to Shelby Township, Richard and his daughter Shari spent many hours in the kitchen, preparing meals together, laughing and sharing stories. When he wasn't cooking at home, Richard loved dining out, especially at tasty coney island location or a Friday fish fry spot.

Richard loved motorcycles. As he grew older and more cautious, he transitioned to riding electric bicycles, then mobility scooters. He enjoyed working on his scooters, zipping around the neighborhood to enjoy the fresh air, and tossing one in the car to explore new locations. He was always game for a new adventure.

Shari described Richard as being, "The best dad ever. He was my 'go to' person for advice. He helped me with my studies. He could fix anything. He coached my sports teams. He enjoyed my friends. He was my most loyal cheerleader. He was my best buddy. He was the first to wipe my tears. I miss him dearly."

Many family members, friends, neighbors, healthcare personnel have said that it was an honor knowing and caring for Richard.  "Sweet" and "Fun" are common words that continue to be used to describe Richard's gentle personality.

Richard's family would like to thank Cathy Ross, ManiVanh Vorakoummane, the Reda family, Kendall Robinson, Deb Gunderson, Sheryl Edwards, The Wrangler Road Study Hall and Lansing ukulele friends, The Legacy Ensemble friends, the Wilson Drive neighbors, and all of Richard's compassionate healthcare providers.  Each of you, individually and collectively, brought much comfort to Richard and his family in his final months, days, and hours.

Visitation with Richard Nagy's family will be held at John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 3pm to 8pm. Richard's funeral service at the funeral home is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2023, starting at 1pm, Rev. Mark Phillips officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard Nagy's honor to:

Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church, 24110 Cherry Hill Rd, Dearborn, MI  48124

or

Auburn Hills Presbyterian Church, 3456 Primary St, Auburn Hills, MI  48326

To order memorial trees in memory of Richard S. Nagy, please visit our tree store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
March
22

John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home

1139 Inkster Road, Garden City, MI 48135

3:00 - 8:00 pm

Funeral Service

Calendar
March
23

John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home

1139 Inkster Road, Garden City, MI 48135

Starts at 1:00 pm

Richard S. Nagy's Guestbook

Visits: 2

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