Bernard C. Nagengast

East Berne -- Bernard C. Nagengast, born into Eternal Life Friday, December 4, 2009. Born in Albany on September 29, 1925, Bernie was the son of the late Emil J. and Sophia Dyda- Nagengast. He attended Our Lady of Angels grade school and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy. Bernie met the love of his life, Matilda “Tilli” Nicklas, while ice skating at Washington Park. They were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in 1947 and remained devoted to one another for 62 years and had eleven children. His father Emil J. Nagengast, Sr. established the family florist in 1910. This became his lifelong career until he retired in 1986. The florist is still family operated and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. Bernie was an involved member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, where he was often called upon to decorate for the holidays and taught others the art of creating the Advent Wreath. Bernie was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Warner Lake Improvement Association, Moose International, the Packard Club, the Willy’s Overland Knights, and the Automobilists of the Upper Hudson Valley. He also was a Retired Member of the FTD Association. He loved woodworking and feeding his backyard birds who will surely miss his special treats. He enjoyed restoring his 1922 Overland. Survived by beloved wife of 62 years, Matilda Nicklas Nagengast and his children Bernard A. (Carol), Richard J., Joanne M. (Jody), Mary Jean (MJ), the late Michael R., Mark S., Kathryn M. Willsie (Ross), Anne Marie Nagengast- Place (Tim), Thomas G. (Mary Ellen), Rosemary R. Hoffman (Jim) and Brian C. Nagengast; father in law of Peggy Vogel-Nagengast. Also survived by grandchildren Tatyana, Anne and Therese Nagengast, Tyler Vogel, Katie and Jenny Vogel-Nagengast, Carly and Ethan Willsie, and Nicklas and Marianna Nagengast and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Josephine, George, Margaret McGarithy, Emil J. Jr. his twin brother Joe, Raymond, and Dorothy Tobin. Funeral services Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette’s Church, Berne, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, December 10, 2009, 3:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home. Interment will follow the Mass at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. To leave the family a special message on their guestbook; view his Life Tribute; obtain directions or a Prayer Card; or share a photo with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Bernard C. Nagengast

September 29, 1925 - December 4, 2009