June 14, 2016
Nagel, Robert C.
Robert Carl Nagel, age 86, “died dead” on June 10 at home, as was his wish, in Roslindale, Massachusetts. Bob was born on the eve of the Great Depression on October 10, 1929 to Carl T. Nagel and Josephine B. MacKenzie. Bob served five years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was subsequently employed by American Airlines as a Passenger Service Manager. Bob retired at age 53, a testament to his belief that time was worth more than money. He traveled widely and enjoyed the company of countless friends. Every summer Bob would drive to Big Bras d’Or, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, his mother’s ancestral homeland, where another large contingent of friends would eagerly await his arrival on “the Hill”. Bob lived life to the fullest and was rarely seen without a smile. He was an ardent trickster who managed to poke outrageous fun while never causing any harm. For those who knew and loved him, he leaves behind a gaping void which will be only partially filled with many sweet and mirthful memories. Time spent with everyone’s “Uncle Bob” was “always a pleasure”. Bob was predeceased by his parents and his brother Frederick (Freddie) Nagel; his sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Potts and Helene (Hopkins) MacGregor, many nephews and nieces, and a vast assortment of friends who remain to sadly mark the passing of an era. Those who may wish to make a donation in his memory might consider The Home for Little Wanderers, 161 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114. An event to celebrate his life will be planned for a future date.
Comments(9)
Bob’s humor, support, generosity, laughter and presence are already missed in the neighborhood. Many fond and uproarious memories will be revisited as we honor his life.
Bob’s outrageous humor & joy will be greatly missed, especially at my Christmas parties. I last saw him on May 7th & am so glad I saw him recently. He was always willing to help in any way. Bob will b remembered as a very unique individual.
Rest in Peace Bob.
The presence of Uncle Bob was “always a pleasure, always a joy” and I wish our most recent parting of ways could’ve end with a famous “see ya s’more”; but not this time. I do take comfort in knowing he truly lived a very full life. Love & miss you forever Uncle Bob!
Your Loving Niece,
Brooke
Bob’s outrageous humor & joy will be seriously missed, especially at my Christmas parties.
He was always so willing to help in anyway he could.
I last saw him on May 6th & he was his usual smiling self. I am so glad I got to see him recently.
Bob was certainly a unique individual.
Rest in Peace Bob.
Bob was always a wonderful person to work with such fond memories..never took things too seriously.
You were all fortunate to have him in your family . A true gentlemen. Ann Botka F/A Boston AA
“Uncle Bobby” (yet really a 2nd cousin)was so much fun to us kids when our family spent summers in Boularderie, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I have fond memories of him joining us to play kick the can….when he was locked out of his family Aframe home I was so small and designated to crawl in through the basement window to unlock the door. I remember the twinkle in his eye, mischievous smile.
Rest in peace Uncle Bobby.
I had been trying to contact Bob since Labour day ….knowing that he always spent the summers in Nova Scotia and he had no phone or internet service during his stay up there…..last night Robyn and I tried again to call to find out that his phone had been disconnected….I had bad feeling….and checking the obits of the Boston Globe….found that Bob had passed away…So sad for us both…We spent many happy hours with him in Hamilton…and Florida….every time I called Bob …It was with the Salutation of singing together,,,,”There’s no Busnush
I have been trying to get “ahold” of Bob since Labour Day…knowing that he always went to Nova Scotia for the summer….emails and calls were never returned since Labour Day….uncharacteristic……Learned from the Boston Globe that he had passed away….what a shocker…many fond memories of great times together in Hamilton and Florida for Robyn and I with him and Tony and Adolf…both of which have pre deceased him….I miss calling and our salutation was always singing….”There’s no business like show business” together….Tony and I went to his place on a road trip the Nov. before Tony died…..see the attached photos….miss you…” Boston Bob “……Roy
This was My Uncle Bob! He loved Me to the MAX! He was there for us in every Emergency..took me to Boston City for my Appendix emergency…in his Karmam Ghia- boy did those trolley bumps HURT! We attended Roslindale Congregational: he trusted me to submit his offering to church as he was working weekends. When cousin Danny N. was being held in NYC, Unk took me on the trip in, again, the Karmam Ghia-! We were both Air Force, so he prepared the way for me…..I ate at Nana’s a lot, and he would bump me into making a mess…then it came out loud and clear:”Be a slob, Be a slob!” What a joker he was- but always lovingly. When Mom was divorcing, he came to rescue us (4 brothers) from a very contentious situation.
One year mom gave me $5 to buy milk and bread at Lodgens market. I got to the register, and could not find the money. I was frantic! He drove to us…dropping everything to help us. Paid for the groceries- and then I found the $5 bill sitting on the bathroom sink where I had left it.
He came to CA. for a visit when my wife was pregnant with our son Josh. He was headed north, and went out of his way to see US! What an amazing person.. how can anyone compare with this totally amazing person? Tell me Your stories @ bhopki52@gmail.com. Love, Bruce