June 07, 2010
John and I went back a long way, over 60 years. we were grade school classmates at St. Pius school in the south bronx when it was stil run by the Dominican nuns. ( sadly it shut its doors a few years ago because of diocese budget problems.) It was an exciting school and neighborhood. I recall being at John’s apartment many times probably to study or visit. A third friend called I think larry donohue was often with us. I do remember fondly his mother and father, a kind , gracious and caring couple. They alway treated us well. I don’t recall his sisters and brothers but am glad as a fellow South Bronxer that you they seem to have done well. then we both went off to Regis. John was the outstanding English student and recognized as such even by Mr. Horchler our English teacher. As larry boland noted , John even tutored his fellow students. the surviving graduating class was barely over a humdred students so we came to know one another well.. John was always very well liked, smart and a good guy to be with . He never had an unkind word about any one and no one ever had an unkind word about him. No small achievment at St Pius and Regis. We both went our separate ways to college (catholic of course since Regis then would send a transcript only to a catholic college or military academy.)Sadly we lost touch. John was a special person. one of those rare persons you regretably wish you had seen more of, kept in touch with. His death is a deep loss.
Tom O’Toole, Dallas, Texas
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May 25, 2010
As a student at Regis High School John was unique. No one was more well-read than he. As we prepared for the College Entrance Exam (CEEB) John conducted a crash course for his fellow Seniors giving a synopsis of as many books as we were able to absorb. I believe he was PhD material in 1952. I too graduated from Manhattan with him, but from the School of Engineering. He left a great mark on the College.
~ Lawrence Boland, Poughkeepsie, New York
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May 12, 2010
I will always remember the infectious laughter and enthusiasm of a boyish John Nagle in the late 1960s. He was a mainstay of a very fine English Department at Manhattan for decades.
Many of us felt cheated when Professor Nagle won a Danforth Fellowship to complete his dissertation and we missed him for the medieveal literature theme course. He exemplified the fine teaching of Manhattan College of that era.
Gerald De Maio ’70
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May 12, 2010
My sincere condolences. I will remember you in my prayers. I so fondly recollect your Milton and Spenser courses. May you rest in peace.
~ MaryAnn McCarra-Fitzpatrick, Mount Vernon, New York
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May 12, 2010
I cannot begin to tell you what a wonderful person your brother John was and what an influence he had on me while in college. I am blessed to have been able to call him a friend and to have learned so much from him over the years. He always had a smile and a laugh to share and I will miss him dearly. Betsy Morris, Manhattan 1987
~ Elizabeth Morris, Spring Lake, New Jersey
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May 12, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of Dr. Nagle’s students and also had the pleasure of being a colleague for several years when I was an administrator on campus. I posted this sad news on my page on Facebook yesterday since I keep in touch with a number of Jaspers that way. So many have written under that post about how Dr. Nagle truly touched their lives. This was my post: “This RIP is much closer to home. John D. Nagle, Ph.D., one of the most amazing professors I had while at Manhattan College, died. Jack intertwined wisdom and wit seamlessly. Very few students ended the semester unchanged as a writer or young adult for that matter.” May the knowledge that he was special to so many help during this difficult time.
~ Patrice Athanasidy, Cortlandt Manor, New York
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“Every man goes down to his death bearing in his hands only that which he has given away.”
– Persian Proverbs from Sayings of Persian Origin
[JR: Obviously, our fellow Jasper gave a lot to everyone. Requiescat In Pacem.]
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Deeply sorry to hear of John’s death. He was, perhaps, the best teacher I have ever had, and the only one that could have interested a class in the difficult jigsaw prose of James Joyces Ulysses!
RIP Dr John Nagle
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Nagle’s passing. He was my student advisor my first year (1972). I was also lucky enough to attend his Freshman 101 Literature class.
This man was the most exceptional teacher I ever had. Unfortunately, when I switched to the School of Business, I was unable to gain entry into any of his other classes, but, I’m eternally grateful that I had the chance to meet him and to be regaled by his exceptional knowledge. He opened my eyes to a wonderful world and I’m a happier and better person for it.