Michael Peter Nagy, PhD, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on the 10th of August, 2022 in Northampton, Massachusetts. Mike, as he was known to everyone, grew up in Grosse Ile, Michigan and was the eldest son of Dr. Carl Nagy and Violet Nagy, née Koppy.
After earning undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Michigan State University, he earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He taught for seven years as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Concord College in West Virginia. Mike then began his 23-year career in the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health where his work centered on improving its quality of care.
Mike loved the city of Northampton. For over 30 years, he was a fixture around town, enjoying its vibrancy, museums, rich history, and culture. He actively contributed to the community as a member of the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence (where he was a member of the Religious Services Committee), and advocated tirelessly for the rights of persons with disabilities while serving on the city’s Disability Commission. Mike loved baseball, supporting the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox. He also loved music, and listened to a wide variety of genres, which is reflected in his vinyl collection. To this day, each of his children know every word to several James Taylor, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Buddy Holly albums as a result of listening with Mike as kids.
Mike is survived by his children, David, Mary, and Daniel Nagy; his grandchildren, Porter and Greta Nagy; and his siblings, Stephanie, Carl, Erika, Nicholas and Christopher Nagy. A memorial service for Mike will be held at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence (220 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060) on the 27th of August at 2:00 pm. Donations to the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence can be made in lieu of sending flowers. Boucher-O'Brien Funeral Home was entrusted with his cremation.
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