Fanwood sends Joe Nagy Happy 100th Birthday wishes

(above) Joe and Claire in their Fanwood home in 2021

Fanwood sends Joe Nagy Birthday wishes

Joe Nagy, who served Fanwood for many years as its unofficial historian and all-around reliable volunteer, turned 100 recently with a large family gathering and fond wishes from his friends here.

Joe and his wife Claire moved from their long-time home on Oakwood Court to an assisted living community in Hackettstown last year. His family gathered to celebrate Joe’s birthday on February 11th, a party complete with cake and dozens of well wishes from old friends including numerous cards from students at Brunner Elementary School.

(above) Joe with some of the many cards he received from Brunner students Photo courtesy the Nagy Family

Joe is a World War II veteran who served in the Army’s 78’s Infantry Field Artillery Battalion, retiring as a Major after serving 20 more years after the war. In Fanwood, he served on the board of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Scholarship Foundation, the Historic Preservation Commission and volunteered for many other projects over the years.

In a letter to Joe, Mayor Colleen Mahr wrote, “My heartfelt thanks to you for the many contributions you have made to the Fanwood community for so many years. You have enriched the lives of countless residents and students and are a beloved institution here.”

Joe was joined by his three children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren at his birthday party.

(above) Group photo at Joe’s party