Joe Nagy, Fanwood’s historian, treasured volunteer, and ultimate involved citizen, walked into a surprise 95th birthday party on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Fanwood Carriage House, Fanwood, New Jersey. He was greeted by a roomful of friends, family members, government officials, and fellow volunteers; all of whom have been touched by Joe’s work in and around Fanwood for decades.
Mayor Colleen Mahr presented Joe with Fanwood’s first Lifetime Achievement Award and a Key to the City on behalf of the Fanwood Council, represented by Kathy Mitchell, Jack Molenaar and Tom Kranz. Among the family members present were Joe’s wife of 65 years, Claire; and one of their three sons, Larry. They also have three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Joe has worn many hats in Fanwood, most notably as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission which hosted the party, and the Scotch Plains Fanwood Scholarship Foundation. Joe also co-wrote a book about Fanwood, was a founder of Fanwood Community Television, and acts as the town’s historian.
(above, l-r) Joe with contemporaries Earl Phillips, charter member of the Fanwood Rescue Squad; and Bob McCarthy, former Fanwood Councilman.
(above) Joe with his wife of 65 years, Claire.
