Born with a heart as big as his shoulders, Joseph John Nagi, Jr., a longtime Kailua resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 12, 2021. He was a Father, Brother, World's Best Hugger, World Traveler, English Channel Swimmer, Weber Grill Master, Pilot, Photographer & Veteran. He worked in telecommunications on the Dew Line in Alaska, in Europe and Sri Lanka, but always came back to his true home, Hawaii. He finished his career as a Lifeguard at the Kailua Swimming Pool.
One of his greatest accomplishments occurred in his 30th year, when he swam the English Channel. From France to England, 26 miles in 17 hours and 3 minutes. His love for swimming made him somewhat of a local icon and legend, setting many world records in his age group.
But his greatest achievement was his marriage to Mary Lou (Stetz), and becoming the father of 3 terrific kids, Joe III, Richard, and Susan, all still residing on Oahu.
He is also survived by his eight siblings, Rosemary Herkommer, Anne Marie Maze, Mary Ann Geoffrey, Leonard Nagi, Penny Schield, Patricia Gammage, Connie Nagi and Camille Cretens.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Joe's caregiver Sue Wiley for her love and assistance to Joe over the last seven years.
Internment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu, Hawaii, October 8th at 2:00PM with a celebration to follow.
"Stay fresh and take the rest of the day off!" ~ Joe Nagi ~
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
