Obituary of Richard Nagurka

Richard T. Nagurka, Sr., 69, of Howell, passed Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune,, with his family at his side. Mr. Nagurka died from a long, courageous battle against cancer. Mr. Nagurka was born in Hoboken, and had lived in Weehawken, before moving to Howell 21 years ago. He was a member of the F.M.B.A., Local 26, Weehawken, and the New Jersey State Firemen's Relief Association. Mr. Nagurka served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962. Mr. Nagurka was a firefighter with the Weehawken Fire Department for 31 years retiring in 1996. After retiring, he worked as a part-time school bus driver for the Freehold Regional High School District. Mr. Nagurka was an avid fan of the New York Jets, New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Nets, New York Yankees, and Notre Dame football. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Viola; and brother, Stephen. Surviving are his beloved wife, Anna Lee McKay Nagurka of Howell; one son and his fiancee, Richard T. Nagurka, Jr. of Madison, and his fiancee, Jocelyn Kwiatkowski; one daughter and her soulmate, Roxanne Nagurka of Howell, and her soulmate, John McGee; and one sister, Diane Lynch of Ridgefield. Visiting from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Relatives and friends may gather at 8:30 a.m.on Tuesday at the funeral home for the Rite of Committal followed by his 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell. Burial will follow in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown. For directions, information, or condolence messages to the family, visit www.clayton funeralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the famliy has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org.