Sgt. Nagy's Obituary Details Man Who Loved Family

The funeral for Hamilton Police Sergeant Kenneth Andrew Nagy, Jr. will be held Friday at St. James Church in Salem, according to Murphy Funeral Home in Salem.

According to an obituary submitted by the family on Murphy Funeral Home's Website, Nagy leaves behind "his loving wife, Katherine, and their two wonderful young sons, Gavin William, 7, and Griffin Andrew, 5, to whom he passed on his love of gadgets, technology, and Star Wars."

The obituary details Nagy grew up in Center Reach, Long island and was a graduate of Fonda-Fultonville High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and his Masters in Criminal Justice from Western New England College.

"He was highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and a devoted family man. He chose to work midnight shifts so that while his wife Katie also worked, he would be there when the boys got off the school bus in the afternoon to spend time with them," the obituary reads. "He spent that time wisely. With his sons he shared his passions in life and taught them the strength to pursue a goal and achieve it."

"He passed on a love of country (even once taking a young Gavin to the reenactment of the battle of Lexington Green, to teach him about the history of our great country and all that was sacrificed to make it what it is today), a respect for mankind, unconditional love, and a very quirky sense of humor. Anyone who knew Ken could tell you that his unique sense of humor could break even the thickest of ices and get a chuckle from anyone within earshot. He liked to lighten the mood and make people feel at ease."

The obituary goes on to detail Nagy's willingness to host parties at his home -especially summer barbeque's and his love of travel with his wife and young family.

"One of Ken’s greatest joys in life, besides his beautiful family, was his nearly twenty-year career with the Hamilton Police Department. He had been invaluable on many occasions and was respected by those who worked closest with him," his obituary reads. "This past summer he was awarded a promotion to Sergeant, a position he had worked hard for and looked forward to. His work as a law enforcement officer gave him purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that were evident to anyone who knew him. He provided innovated solutions as a criminal investigator; he worked with sexual assault victims, and left his footprint on the hearts of countless Hamilton residents."

"To those in need or despair, Ken was a source of comfort. He was diplomatic and thoughtful when dealing with people in delicate situations and was always able to maintain a compassionate professionalism throughout his interactions. His patience and empathy were a source of support, advice, and reassurance to those who often times had no other resource. Ken offered his experience and aid to anyone who needed it; he did not save it for when he was on duty or reserve it for only friends and family."

Along with his wife and sons, Ken is survived by his parents, Kenneth Sr. and Mary Nagy of New York as well as six siblings: brother Andrew Nagy and wife Jennifer, sister Donna Lewis and husband Brian, sister Mary Rain and husband Matthew, sister Anne Penington and husband Russell, sister Eileen Tucci and husband Michael, sister Carolyn Voulgardis and husband Marios and fifteen nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Friday, March 2, at 10:15 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.  in St James Church, 156 Federal St, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private.