Home

What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

 

 

Margaret (Halfpenny) Nagle
(1880-1963)

 

Margaret (Halfpenny) Nagle was born on May 20, 1880 (or June 1, 1881) in Rohrsburg, Columbia County, PA, the daughter of Calvin and Caroline (Minerd) Halfpenny.

On April 22, 1901, when she was age 21, and he 23, Margaret married Clyde Benson Nagle (March 5, 1879-1935), son of Samuel and Isabelle (Kyle) Nagle of Rohrsburg, PA. Rev. A.M. Masonheimer performed the nuptials. At the time of marriage, she resided in Weatherly, Columbia County, and he was a laborer, also of Weatherly. 

Clyde was of medium height and build, with grey eyes and dark brown hair.

They together bore a brood of 10 known children -- Cecil C. Nagle, Caroline R. "Carrie" Miller, Leone Richards Young, Earl J. Nagle, Ira D. "Ike" Nagle, Irene Puderbach, Clara Nagle, Harriet "Hattie" McCarty Horn Harvey, Jay Nagle and Clayton Nagle.

Weatherly, Pennsylvania

Margaret's aged father, having suffered a series of three debilitating strokes, died in their home in Greenwood on Nov. 7, 1904. 

Circa 1910, the census shows the Nagles living in Center Township, Columbia County. 

During World War I, in September 1918, Clyde was required to register for the military draft. He disclosed that he was a self-employed farmer in Berwick, Columbia County, and that Margaret was his nearest relative.

By 1920, they had relocated to a farm in Briar Creek Township, Columbia County, where they remained during the decade and into 1930. The 1920 census shows nine children in their household between the ages of one month and 18 years.

 

Final resting place for the Nagles

Margaret was named in the 1924 Bloomsburg Morning Press obituary of her brother Ira, and at the time they lived in Berwick. She was a member of the Mifflinville Methodist Church

Burdened for the last of year of his life with chronic heart disease, Clyde died on July 2, 1935, and was buried in Rohrsburg Cemetery. 

Margaret survived Clyde by 28 years, more than a quarter century of time. The 1940 U.S. Census lists her in Mifflin as a housekeeper living in the home of her future husband..   

In 1942, she wed again to Clarence Samuel Redline (July 29, 1879-1961), son of Joseph and Rosella (Gower) Redline. His first wife, Minnie Aten, had died in 1924, and he brought a stepdaughter into the second marriage, Mrs. Robert Cox.

Their residence was in Mifflinville, Columbia County at the address of West Fourth Street. He was employed in the finishing shed of ACF Industries prior to retirement. He belonged to the Moose lodge and the Mifflinville Hose Company..

Sadly, Clarence was diagnosed with bladder cancer which spread. He died in Berwick Hospital at the age of 82 on Aug. 5, 1961, after a seven weeks' stay. Burial was in Lifflinville Cemetery.

The widowed Margaret remained in her home in Mifflinville. 

Margaret suffered for years with hardening of the arteries. After undergoing heart failure, she passed away in Berwick Hospital on Aug. 8, 1963, at the age of 83. She reposes beside her first husband.

A Nagle family reunion was held on Aug. 9, 1980 at the residence of Esther Nagle in Nescopeck. A number of Margaret's offspring attended. Officers included president Robert Nagle, vice president Polly Ann Diehl, secretary Jane Nagle and treasurer Clair Nagle. 

~ Son Cecil C. Nagle ~

Son Cecil C. Nagle (1902- ? ) was born in about 1902.

Circa 1923, he entered into marriage with Ora Mary Bower (April 11, 1901-1976), daughter of Charles and Armina (Whitmire) Bower. They stayed together for a remarkable 53 years until cleaved apart by death.  

The Nagles did not reproduce. 

They lived in Bloomsburg, PA in 1935, at which time he signed his father's official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

For many years, the pair were members of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Ora Mary gave of her time on the church's Women's Missionary Society. 

Sadly, Ora Mary died at the age of 74, in Berwick Hospital, on Jan. 21, 1976. Her pastor, Rev. Lester Zehner, presided at the funeral. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Ebenezer Cemetery, Berwick, with an obituary appearing in the Bloomsburg Morning Press

Cecil lived for another five years after Ora May's death. He passed away at home in Berwick  at the age of 78 on March 31, 1981. 

~ Daughter Caroline R. "Carrie" (Nagle) Miller ~

Daughter Caroline R. "Carrie" Nagle (1903-1940) was born on Nov. 7, 1903.

She married Dalbert/Delbert Miller ( ? - ? ). 

They dwelled near Berwick, PA in the mid-1920s. 

One son of this couple was stillborn the day after Christmas 1924. His tender remains were laid to rest in Fowlersville, PA.  

Caroline was widowed by 1940. Her residence in 1940 was at 78 Wyoming Street in the Lee Park section of Wilkes-Barre, PA. 

Tragically, at the age of 36, Caroline was stricken by peritonitis and an intestinal obstruction. Death swept her away as a patient in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital on Jan. 24, 1940. Al Stephens of Lee Park signed the death certificate. Interment of the remains was under the sod of Hanover Green Cemetery.

~ Daughter Leone (Nagle) Richards Young ~

Daughter Leone Nagle (1906-1991) was born on July 30, 1905 in Briar Creek Township, Columbia County.

Leone in young womanhood was employed by Wise Potato Chip Company in Berwick.  

At the age of 17, circa 1923, she first was united in matrimony with Albert Richards ( ? - ? ).

Three children produced by this union were Carrie Mae Fenstermacher, Ralph Eugene Richards and Cecil Clyde Richards.

Front Street in Berwick, PA

The family resided in 1930 in Berwick, PA. The marriage ended in divorce.

By 1935, Leone and the children were co-habitating in Berwick with her future husband, trucker Boyd Young (1906-1974), and are shown together in the 1940 census. Her address in 1943 was 366 Grant Street.

Boyd surrendered to the spirit of death in April 1974. 

Her final address was 606 Market Street, Berwick. Over the last several years of her life, Leone's health declined. She became a resident of Berwick Retirement Village, and died a month later at age 86 on Aug. 31, 1991. Her obituary appeared in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. She was survived by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her remains were laid to rest in Ebenezer Cemetery.

Daughter Carrie Mae Richards (1925-1968) was born on Jan. 18, 1925 in Berwick. She was a 1943 graduate of Berwick High School. Carrie entered into marriage with Loren Ray Fenstermacher Sr. (Jan. 12, 1926-2012), son of Burlington "Burley" and Beatrice "Arline" (Andress) Fenstermacher of Pond Hill, PA. They stayed together for 22 years until the separation of death. Five children born into this family were Lonie Hinkle, Loren R. Fenstermacher Jr., Burle G. Fenstermacher, Lula Mae Fenstermacher and Don K. Fenstermacher. Loren was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. The family lived at 1105 Holly Drive in Salem Township near Berwick and were members of the First United Church of Christ. Loren made a living as a Wise Potato Chip Company truck driver. He also  belonged to Berwick's Ranger Hose Company. Sadly, at the age of 43, while thought to be in good health, and a day after being out shopping, Carrie Mae suffered a heart attack in the early morning hours of June 22, 1968 and was taken to Berwick Hospital. Sadly, she died within a few hours. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Russell D. Mengel leading the funeral service. An obituary was published in the Bloomsburg Morning Press. On April 17, 1970, Loren wed Shirley (Boyko) Fox (Nov. 26, 1932-2007), daughter of Emmett and Letha (Harrison Boyko) Meighan. She had been married before and brought a trio of stepchildren into the second union -- James D. Fox, Randy Fox and Kathleen Nunes. They appear to have produced a son of their own, Mark Fenstermacher. Shirley in young womanhood had earned a living with Consolidated Cigar Company and joined the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Berwick. The pair made a residence in 1971-2007 at 1105 Holly Drive. Sadly, Carrie became ill at home on April 23, 2007 and was rushed to Berwick Hospital Center, where she passed away. An obituary appeared in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader. Her prayer service was led by Rev. Francis J. Tamburro, with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Berwick. Loren outlived both of his wives and went to live in Berwick Retirement Village. He died in Berwick at age 86 on Feb. 25, 2012. Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery Annex.

  • Granddaughter Lonie Fenstermacher ( ? - ? ) was a 1966 gradaute of Berwick High School. She first wed Robert Hinkle ( ? - ? ), son of Carl Hinkle of Berwick. During the Vietnam War, circa 1968, he was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and served for six months in South Vietnam, with a posting at DaNang with the First Marines. A year later, Robert sued for divorce. On June 23, 1973, Lonie married again to Ernest Shearer ( ? - ? ), with justice of the peace Nickolas Piazza presiding. She was in Berwick in 2007-2012.
  • Grandson Loren Ray "Bud" Fenstermacher Jr. ( ? - ? ) was a 1970 graduate of Berwick High School. He worked for Wise Foods in 1971. The following year, in 1972, he joined the U.S. Air Force and trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and then was assigned to vehicle maintenance training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Circa 1973, he was posted to Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Loren married Debbie Cantrell ( ? - ? ), daughter of L.H. Cantrell of Hamilton, MS. They bore one known daughter, Carrie Marie Fenstermacher. The family remained in Mississippi for good.
  • Grandson Burle G. Fenstermacher ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He attended Berwick High School. In 1983, he was employed in Salem Township at the Susquehanna steam electric plant of Pennsylvania Power & Light. On Sept. 1, 1983, he was united in wedlock with Reyne Lemanowicz ( ? - ? ), daughter of Chester E. and Irene M. Lemanowicz. Justice of the peace Bob Marshall officiated the event, held in Shickshinny. News of the wedding was printed in the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice, which pictured the pair and said that Reyne "wore a gown of white tissue taffeta styled with a basque bodice featuring wide ruffles of Cluny lace and taffeta roses accenting the portrait neckline and belle skirt. Heer headpiece was a picture hat, lace covered, and trimmed with mother of pearl beads and seed pearls. Her floor-length veile of illusion was accented with taffeta roses and satin flowers with pearl centers." Reyne was a graduate of Berwick High and the Barbizon Modeling School of Wilkes-Barre and at the time of marriage was a student at Luzerne County Community College and worked for Bloomsburg Mills Inc. In time, he married again to Mary ( ? - ? ) and lived in Benton, PA.
  • Granddaughter Lula Mae Fenstermacher ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage in Sept. 1976 with Hensyl Arthur Dietterick ( ? - ? ), son of David Dietterick of Berwick. Berwick district justice Nickolas Piazza officiated the ceremony, held in the home of the groom. She eventually wed again to Paul Gonnelli ( ? - ? ) and by 2007 relocated to Florida. She remained there as of 2012.
  • Grandson Don K. Fenstermacher ( ? - ? ) was a 1985 graduate of Berwick High School. Circa 1997, he was employed in Berwick by Liquitane Corporation. On July 12, 1997, he was joined in matrimony with co-worker Stephanie T. Bacon ( ? - ? ), daugher of Kenneth and Sandra Whispell of Millville, PA. Their ceremony was held at Jerseytown United Methodist Church by the hand of Rev. Paul Dauenbaugh. She was a 1981 alumna of Millville High School. The newlyweds' first home was in Millville. Don is known to have lived in 2007 in Berwick.
  • Grandson Mark Fenstermacher ( ? - ? ) wed Libby. He  relocated to Florida and in 2007 was in Key West. By 2012, they had moved back to Berwick.
  • Step-grandson James D. Fox married Cecilia and was in Berwick in 2012.
  • Step-grandson Randy Fox was united in matrimony with Gail. Their home in 2012 was in Millville, PA.
  • Step-granddaughter Kathleen Fox was joined in wedlock with Egidio Nunes. The pair established a residence in Purcellville, VA. 

Son Ralph Eugene Richards (1927-1994) was born in about 1927. He attended Center Township High School and worked for A.D. George. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a teenager in mid-December 1943, during World War II, and served aboard the USS Y.G.G.-92 in Green Cove Springs, VL. He was arrested and placed in a Navy brig for automobile theft. At some point he went absent without official leave. He returned to Nescopeck and in 1945 stole another car, belonging to Jordan E. Rough, and after a 300-mile joyride  was arrested and held in Columbia County jail. He reputedly spent 16 years in the Navy and went on to work as a security guard at the Montour Power Plant in Washingtonville. Ralph filled out marriage licenses with a number of women over the years, but it's not known how many of them he actually married. These include with Alma Arrington (1946), Florence M. Klinger (1950) and Edith Alice Bower (1953 and 1955). He is known to have been the father of Goldie Featherman, Bonnie Richards and Rodney Richards. Ralph's residence in 1974 was in Bloomsburg, and at one time also in Mifflin. Circa 1981, he wed Pauline Snyder ( ? - ? ). The pair put down roots in Nescopeck and stayed for good. Five stepchildren in this brood were Linda Fowler, Jane Hirneisen, Polly Troutman, Mary Edwards and Dale Sitlinger. Ralph is known to have been a Lutheran and affiliated with the Mifflin Forest Rangers. At the age of 67, Ralph died at home on April 16, 1994. His obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. Rev. Kerry Maurer, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, led the funeral, with burial following in New Rosemont Cemetery.

  • Granddaughter Goldie Richards entered into marriage with (?) Featherman. She appears to hve been the mother of Harry Featherman. Goldie made her home in Berwick in 1991 and in Briggsville, PA in 1994. For nine years, until his death in 2000, she was a companion of Floyd H. "Benzy" Slusser (Sept. 20, 1950-2000).
  • Granddaughter Bonnie Richards dwelled near Berwick in the mid-1990s.
  • Grandson Rodney Richards  resided in 1994 in Lancaster, PA.

Son Cecil Clyde Richards (1930-1997) was born on April 23, 1930 in Berwick. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of sergeant. Cecil first was joined in marriage with Berwick High School graduate Elaine Janice Young (March 6, 1931-2021), daughter of Clifton and Eileen (Gearhart) Young. Their five children were David Richards, Randy Richards, Gregg Richards, Debra Marshall and Robin Mickley. For a number of years, he was employed by Harmony Sand and Gravel Company of Port Jarvis, PA. Circa 1968, they were in Nescopeck, PA. Elaine worked at Bercon and liked to decorate, work in her garden and solve puzzles. The couple divorced. Cecil married again to Constance E. (Nevin) Foglio (Nov. 11, 1934-2007), a native of Philadelphia, the widow of James J. Foglio Sr. and the daughter of Joseph P. and Rebecca D. (Swift) Nevin. She brought these stepchildren into the second union -- Constance T. Matlock, James J. Foglio Jr., Michael J. Foglio and Timothy J. Foglio. Constance "was a bookkeeper/secretary for National Analysts in Philadelphia and was a volunteer for Bushkill Outreach for more than 31 years," said the Pocono Record, and was a member of St. John's Catholic Church of Bushkill, PA. The Richardses lived in 1991-1994 in Stroudsburg, PA. Their final residence was in Mount Bethel, PA. After retiring, Cecil earned a living at Port Mart in Portland. He belonged to the East Bangor Volunteer Fire Company, Slavonie-American Club of Berwick, George N. Kemp Memorial Hall Association and the East Stroudsburg post of the American Legion and extended his military service with the National Guard. Cecil died in Pocono Hospital at age 66 on March 2, 1997. His obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. Survivors included a dozen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were led by Rev. Ron Waterman, of the Nescopeck Free Methodist Church, following by interment in Pine Grove Cemetery. Constance outlived her second spouse by a decade and spent that itme in Bushkill, PA. She died on July 1, 2007 in the Pocono Medical Center at the age of 72. Rev. Fr. John Lambert led the funeral mass held in Constance's church, with interment in Prospect Cemetery. Former wife Elaine remained in Berwick and died on March 11, 2021. 

  • Grandson David Richards was in Berwick in 1997 and Nescopeck in 2021.
  • Granddaughter Robin Richards wed (?) Mickley. She put down roots in Berwick. 
  • Grandson Randy Richards entered into marriage with Laurie. They have lived in Berwick.
  • Grandson Gregg Richards has resided in Berwick. 
  • Granddaughter Debra Richards (1953-2018) was born on Jan. 3, 1953 in Berwick. She graduated from Columbia Montour Vo-Tech School. She married (?) Beck ( ? - ? ) and William Brude Marshall ( ? - ? ). She was the mother of Andrea Hess, Leigh Herring and Adrian Beck. The Marshalls' union endured for 27 years until cleaved apart by death. The Marshalls dwelled at Pocono Lake, PA, before moving back to Berwick. Debra earned a living as a security officer at the Arrowhead Lakes gated community in Pocono Lake and at Bayada Nurses. When time allowed she liked to hike, garden and be out-of-doors as well read. Sadly, at the age of 65. Debra died in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on Jan. 16, 2018. An obituary reputedly was printed in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise.

    Great-granddaughter Andrea married Jeff Hess and has dwelled in Berwick.

    Great-granddaughter Leigh wed Randy Herring. The pair was in Berwick in 2018. 

    Great-grandson Adrian Beck was joined in wedlock with Monika. Their home circa 2018 was in Neffs, PA.

~ Son Earl J. Nagle ~

Son Earl J. Nagle (1907-1970) was born on Nov. 2, 1907 in North Center Township. 

Earl may have been married twice, possibly first to Ruth Derby ( ? - ? ) and later to Esther Dendler ( ? - ? ).

Earl's four offspring were Calvin Nagle, Robert E. Nagle, William N. Nagle and Judith Schechterly. 

Earl lived in Nescopeck, PA in 1963-1970, with an address on Pine Street. 

He made a living as a gateman with Wise Foods Company of Berwick. He also belonged to the Nescopeck Fire Company.

Earl was treated at Berwick Hospital in early December 1970 and released to go home. The following Monday, Dec. 7, 1970, he again was stricken and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An obituary in the Berwick Enterprise said that Rev. Byron K. Krapf, of Calvary United Methodist Church, led the funeral. Burial was in Elan Memorial Park in Lime Ridge. A number of his siblings traveled from out-of-town to attend the funeral.

Son Calvin Nagle moved to Trenton, NJ and was there in 1970.

Son Robert E. Nagle relocated to near Harrisburg, PA, living there in 1970-2003..

Son William N. Nagle made his home in 1970 in Berwick and in Wapwallopen, PA in 2003.

Daughter Judith Nagle (1946-2003) was born in about 1946. She wed Albert Schechterly ( ? - ? ). They were in Nesopeck, PA in 1970.  Three sons born to the union were Edward Schechterly, David Schechterly and Duane Schechterly. As her health declined over her last few years, she was admitted to a Berwick nursing home. Sadly, at the age of 57, Judith died the day after Christmas 2003. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to Hospice of Berwick.

  • Grandson Edward Schechterly ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson David Schechterly ( ? - ? )
  • Grandson Duane Schechterly ( ? - ? )

~ Son Ira D. "Ike" Nagle ~

Son Ira D. "Ike" Nagle (1910-1982  ) was born on Feb. 2, 1910 in Centre Township.

During World War II, Ira served in the U.S. Navy as a member of the construction battalion ("Seabees"). 

On March 13, 1982, he and Josephine Dorazio ( ? - ? ) were joined in marriage. Their union endured the ups and downs of nearly 45 years.

Josephine was the daughter of Peter and Maria (Venditti) Dorazio.   

The couple did not reproduce. 

Josephine was employed for many years at the M&M Dress Factory, retiring in 1981. 

The Nagles maintained a residence in Berwick at 937 LaSalle Street. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Christ and she of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ira belonged to the local lodges of the Elk and Moose and to the Guiseppe Garibaldi Mutual Beneficial Society.

Ira was admitted to Berwick Hospital and died five days later on Feb. 4, 1982. His obituary was printed in the Berwick Enterprise. Rev. Russell D. Mengel, of the family church, presided at the funeral service. The body was interred in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Josephine survived her husband by 28 years and remained in their home on LaSalle Streety. Toward the end she became a resident of Berwick Retirement Village. She passed into the arms of the angels at age 91 on Sept. 24, 2010. Rev. Dennis G. Dalessandro officiated the funeral, with an obituary appearing in the Enterprise.    

~ Daughter Irene (Nagle) Puderbach ~

Daughter Irene Nagle (1913-1976) was born in about 1913. 

She was joined in wedlock with Donald E. Puderbach ( ? - ? ) Sr., often misspelled as "Puderbaugh" and "Puterbaugh."

They became the parents of Donald E. Puderbach Jr. and James C. Puderbach. 

The family relocated from Mifflinville to New Jersey and spent many years in Runemede, NJ.. 

She died on Dec. 14, 1976. An obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Morning Pressand Camden (NJ) Courier-Post. She was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, NJ.

Son Donald E. Puderbach Jr. ( ? -1982) was born in Berwick. He wed Agnes (Merrill) Mitchell ( ? - ? ). She brought stepchildren Michael Mitchell and Margo Foster into the Puderbach marriage. Donald was the father of three  -- Donald Puderbach, Craig Puderbach and Kay Puderbach. They resided in Bloomsburg in 1976-1982 at 135 East Third Street. Donald was self-employed over the years and belonged to the Berwick Golf Club and local lodge of the Elks Club. The family was plunged into grief when, at the age of 52, Donald died in Bloomsburg Hospital on July 21, 1982. Cremation followed. His obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Morning Press.

  • Step-grandson Michael Mitchell established a home in Mentica, CA.
  • Step-granddaughter Margo Foster resided in Mentica, CA.
  • Grandson Donald Puderbach was in San Diego in 1982. 
  • Grandson Craig Puderbach ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Bloomsburg in the early 1980s. 
  • Granddaughter Kay Puderbach moved to Las Vegas. 

Son James C. Puderbach Sr. ( ? -1992) spent his entire life in Runnemede, NJ. He was a graduate of Audobon High School. He entered into wedlock with Janet F. Belada ( ? - ? ). Four offspring in this family were James C. Puderbach Jr., John Puderbach, Jeff Puderbach and Paula Alber. For more than two decades, he officiated high school football and baseball games in South Jersey, including from 1968 to 1974 in the Eastern Association of Intrcollegiate Football. He also was active in the Runnemede Youth Athletic Association. For a few years, he was self-employed with Don's TV as a television repairman. He then was engaged as office manager and consultant for Scientific Management Associates in Westville for 18 years, serving governmental clients. Burdened with diabetes, James died in Voorhees' West Jersey Hospital at the age of 56 on Sept. 29, 1992. the Philadelphia Inquirer published a feature obituary, saying that he "had been working the clocks at high school football games in recent years because of health problems. For many years he worked as a linesman at South Jersey games, incuding nearly a decade at one of the area's long-standing rivalries -- the Moorestown-Rancocas Valley Thanksgiving Day game. 'He was a darned good official and a fine linesman,' said Ed Meyer, a chapter secretary of the New Jersey Football Officials Association." A shorter obituary ran in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. He was survived by four grandchildren.

  • Grandson James C. Puderbach Jr. ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Williamstown, NJ in the early 1990s.
  • Grandson John M. Puderbach ( ? - ? ) lived in Deptford, NJ in 1992.
  • Grandson Jeffrey T. Puderbach ( ? - ? ) was a resident of Glendora, NJ.
  • Granddaughter Paula Puderbach ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Alber ( ? - ? ), also spelled "Abner." Her home in 1992 was in Berlin, NJ.

~ Son Clair B. "Tate" Nagle ~

Son Clair B. "Tate" Nagle (1914- ? ) was born on Oct. 10, 1914 in Greenwood Township, Columbia County. 

Clair tied the knot with Harriet Klinger ( ? - ? ). The marital union endured for an extraordinary 67 years. 

Four offspring born to the couple were Thomas P. Nagle, Alan Nagle, Polly Diehl and Marie Frace. 

In about 1945, they settled in North Centre Township and remained for good. 

Clair earned a living as a painter, employed by ACF Industries. His final work was at Berwick Forge and Fabricating, with retirement in 1980. When time allowed, he liked to fish, garden, hunt and woodcraft.

The Nagles' address in the early 2000s was 251A Mountain Road in Berwick. The family belonged to Fowlersville United Methodist Church.

Sadly, Clair died at the age of 88, on June 11, 2003, as a resident of the Berwick Retirement Village Nursing Home. An obituary in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise said he was survived by 14 grandchildren, a baker's dozen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Co-officiating the funeral service were Rev. Bill Chapman and Rev. Donald Miller. Interment was in Elan Memorial Park in Lime Ridge, PA.

Son Thomas P. Nagle (1948-2017) was born on Nov. 20, 1948 in Berwick. He was a graduate of Central Columbia High School and attended classes at Pennsylvania State University. Thomas was married and the father of a pair of daughters, Jessica Harry and Nadine O'Brien. For three decades, he was employed by Leggett and Platt in Salem Township, a company manufacturing products for bedding, automotive and other purposes. He also belonged to the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Company. He retired from the Leggett firm in June 2017. Thomas lived in Lime Ridge, PA in the early 2000s and in Shickshinny, PA in 2017. At the age of 68, Thomas died at home on Nov. 18, 2017. His obituary appeared in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise.

  • Granddaughter Jessica Nagle married Michael Harry. Their residence in 2017 was in Edwardsville, PA.
  • Granddaughter Nadine Nagle wed Patrick O'Brien. They moved to Suffolk, VA. 

Son Alan C. Nagle (1951-2015) was born on Dec. 17, 1951 in Berwick. He was a 1969 graduate of Central Columbia High School. On June 12, 1981, he entered into marriage with Nancy A. Howe ( ? - ? ), daughter of Richard C. "Dick" and Lois N. (Mensch) Howe. Their union endured for 34 years. Their trio of offspring included Patricia Krichten, Mark McDonald and Stephanie McDonald. The family moved in 1982 to the Wonderview development of Bloomsburg, PA at 440 Riverview Avenue. for 28 years, Alan was employed as a corrections officer at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institute in Coal Township, with retirement in 2007. He then worked in security at the Columbia County Courthouse in Bloomsburg. The family belonged to the Lime Ridge United Methodist Church, and he held memberships in the National Rifle Association and Bloomsburg Archery and liked to camp and hunt. Alan also was a motorcycling enthusiast and owned a Honda Shadow. On the tragic day of Aug. 2, 2015, while he was wearing a helmet, his bike was clipped as he swerved to avoid an oncoming automobile near Forks south of Benton, PA on Route 487, "near the site of the former Hickory Joe's restaurant," reported the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. He was airlifted to a local hospital where he died later in the day at the age of 63. His funeral was held in the family house of worship, led by his pastor, Rev. R. Edward Cope. Burial was in Lime Ridge United Methodist Cemetery. His damaged motorcycle was pictured in the Press Enterprise accompanying a related article.

  • Granddaughter Patricia was united in matrimony with Jason Krichten. They relocated to Colorado Springs, CO.
  • Grandson Mark McDonald was joined in wedlock with Patricia. They have dwelled in Frederick, MD.
  • Granddaughter Stephanie McDonald was a 1991 graduate of Bloomsburg High School. She studied environmental engineering at Bloomsburg University. Stephanie has made her home in Austin, TX.

Daughter Polly Nagle ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Feb. 21, 1955, she wed Robert Diehl ( ? - ? ). The pair put down roots in Berwick, PA. Three offspring born to the pair were Rodney Diehl, Stacey Ann Diehl and Jeffry Diehl. In 1994, she gave an invocation at the 16th annual reunion of the Peter S. and Ruth B. Diehl family, held at Columbia Park in Lime Ridge. They marked their golden wedding anniversary in 2005, at which time they made a home in Dover, FL.

  • Grandson Rodney Lee Diehl may have been twice-wed. He and his first bride were the parents of Eric R. Diehl and Layla Diehl. In time he married Yvonne "Dee" Pursel ( ? - ? ), daughter of Delbert Leroy Pursel. They produced one known son, Shadoe Diehl. Rodney is known to have been a roofing contractor in Berwick. They endured the tragic, untimely death of son Eric in 2017.

    Great-grandson Shadoe Diehl served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in Sunbury, PA circa 2009. He is the father of Kayden Diehl. Shadoe was employed over the years at C&D Waterproofing. He was convicted and jailed in 2015 for violating a Columbia County protection from abuse order in a case involving his son's mother. 

    Great-grandson Eric R. Diehl (1987-2017) was born on Sept. 10, 1987 in Danville, PA. He was a student at Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech School and earned a living at C&D Waterproofing Inc. He liked to play baseball, vacation at the beach and watch movies. His home was on Knob Mountain Road. Unfortunately, he had many run-ins with law enforcement over the years, covered in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. After what the Press Enterprise called "an alleged drunken brawl with his family" in 2016, he told law enforcement that he was suicidal and was evaluated for mental health. Sadness cascaded over the family when he died at home in Berwick at the age of 29 on March 3, 2017. His remains were cremated, and his photograph accompanied his obituary in the Press Enterprise.

    Great-granddaughteer Layla Diehl lived in Beerwick in  

  • Granddaughter Stacey Ann Diehl was a 1975 graduate of Berwick High School. She married Dennis P. Price of Bloomsburg, son of Paul and Dawn Price. The couple lived on Monroe Avenue in Lightstreet near Bloomsburg in 1978-1981. They are believed to be the parents of Chad G. Price and Jared Price. In 1994, Dennis served as president, and Stacey as secretary, of the annual family reunion of descendants of Peter S. and Ruth B. Diehl.

    Great-grandson Chad G. Price has lived in bloomsburg. He is the father of D'Andre T. Snyder and Dane Kaleb Snyder. 

    Great-grandson Jared Price was a 1999 honors graduate of Central Columbia High School. He studied elementary education at Millersville University.

  • Grandson Jeffry Diehl ( ? - ? )

Daughter Marie Leone Nagle married Charles Raymond Frace Jr., son of Charles R. and Kathryn Frace Sr. of Mifflin Township. Five known children are Christopher Donald Frace, Larry Frace, Timothy Frace, Kay Petty and James Frace. Circa 2003-2017, the Fraces lived in Mifflinville, PA. 

  • Grandson Christopher Donald Frace (1961-2009) was born on July 31, 1961 in Berwick. He was an alumnus of Central Columbia High School and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by American Electrical Power in Bridgman, MI as a senior nuclear specialist for almost a decade. He also liked to be out-of-doors, whether riding his all-terrain vehicle or camping, as well as playing poker and golf. Sadly, he had to leave his position at AEP due to poor health. The family was plunged into grief when the 48-year-old Christopher passed away in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on Dec. 17, 2009. An obituary in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise said that his funeral service was conducted by Rev. Amy Raser of the Mifflinville United Methodist Church, and that the family requested that any memorial donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 
  • Grandson Larry Frace entered into marriage with Debra. The pair were in Bloomsburg in 2009. 
  • Grandson Timothy Frace wed Mary Carmen. Their home in 2009 was in Orlando, FL. 
  • Granddaughter Kay M. Frace ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage on May 13, 1989 with Louis V. Petty ( ? - ? ), son of E.V. Petty of Berwick. Their nuptials were led by Rev. Michael Moul at the Mifflinville United Methodist Church. The Pettys lived in Berwick in 2009.
  • Grandson Larry Frace married Debra. They have lived in Bloomsburg and are the parents of Stefanie Frace. 
  • Great-granddaughter Stefanie Frace is a 2003 graduate of Central Columbia High School. She went on to receive her bachelor of science in genetic engineering in 2007 from Cedar Crest College in Allentown. She then enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health to obtain heer master's degree in genetic engineering. 

  • Grandson James Frace was united in wedlock with Amber. Circa 2009, they were in Berwick.

~ Daughter Harriet (Nagle) Harvey McCarty Horn McCarthy ~

Daughter Harriet Nagle (1917- ? ) was born in 1917.

She may have been married four times or more. She was united in the bonds of holy wedlock with Stanley J. Harvey Sr. ( ? - ? ). She used the "Harvey" surname in 1938-1976 and lived in Mifflinville and Berwick.

Another husband was (?) McCarty ( ? - ? ). Harriet used the "McCarty" name as of 1982-1986.

Yet another spouse may have been (?) Horn ( ? - ? ). 

Circa 1991, using the "McCarthy" surname, she dwelled in Berwick. 

As of 2004, she remained in Berwick. 

~ Son Jay W. Nagle ~

Son Jay Nagle (1919-1986) was born on Dec. 4, 1919 in Briar Creek Township, Columbia County, PA. He spent his entire life in the Berwick community. 

Jay served in the U.S. Army during World War II. 

Jay was married and the father of Irene Yost and Kay Ward. 

For many years, Jay was employed by AC&F Industries in its Berwick shipping department. He also was a self-employed, home-based barber for three decades, and later in life worked in the Jack Naus Barbership in Berwick. 

Socially, Jay held memberships in the Bloomsburg post of the American Legion, the Sgt. Reginald Vought Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Garibaldi Society. 

In the mid-1980s, Jay dwelled in the rear of 1120 West Front Street in Berwick. 

At the age of 66, Jay died in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre on June 17, 1986, after a stay of five months. The funeral service was led by the hand of Rev. Edward Prowant, pastor of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Nescopeck. The Bloomsburg Press Enterprise printed an obituary, with burial in Elan Memorial Park in Lime Ridge. 

Daughter Irene Nagle married Robert Yost and was in Bloomsburg in 1986.   

Daughter Kay Nagle wed James Ward. The pair was in Berwick in the mid-1980s. 

~ Son Clayton G. Nagle ~

Son Clayton Nagle (1922-2004 ) was born on Feb. 7, 1922 in Berwick, Columbia County, PA.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a tank commander and, on D-Day, "drove a tank onto Utah Beach from a landing ship that didn't quite reach the shore," said the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. "He kept going, even though the water in his tank rose to his neck before it started going down."

Allied tank landing on Utah Beach, D-Day. National Archives

Purple Heart medal
During the war, he received a shrapnel wound, resulting in the award of the Purple Heart medal. He also was bestowed the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious service, as well as the Victory, Good Conduct, American Campaign and European-African-Middle Eastern Service medals.

Clayton married Elsie Shaffer (Dec. 16, 1924-1989), daughter of John R. and Mildred (Nevius) Shaffer of Shickshinny, PA. Their union lasted for 43 years.

The couple together produced five offspring -- Kathleen Knouse, Brenda L. Miller, James Nagle, Clyde Nagle and Ronald Nagle. 

The Nagles are known to have resided in Mifflinville, PA in 1963. Their final residence was in Berwick at 311 Summerhill Avenue.

Clayton earned a living as road foreman for Briar Creek Borough. Elsie is known to have belonged to the Mifflinville Rangers Auxiliary.

Sadly, at the age of 65, Elsie passed away two days after Christmas 1989 as a patient in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Her obituary was printed in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise.  

Clayton outlived his bride by 15 years. He ws named in a July 2001 Press Enterprise article about a new outpatient clinic established by Columbia County for use by veterans. He also was named and pictured in other veterans' related stories over the years in various newspapers.

Clayton died at home at the age of 82 on Sept. 6, 2004. His survivors included 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His photograph accompanied his obituary in the Press Enterprise. Leading the funeral service was Mike Spagnuolo of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries. Burial was in Elan Memorial Park.

Daughter Kathleen Nagle married Ralph Knouse. They were in Berwick in 1989-2004.

Daughter Brenda Nagle has been twice-wed. One of her spouses was Gary C. Miller, son of Charles and Phoebe Miller. The othr was Robert Luczak. Her home in 2004 was in Berwick.

Son James D. Nagle was married to or a companion of Rosemary Hopper ( ? - ? ), daughter of James R. Hopper of Lime Ridge. He was the father of James D. Nagle II, Daniel E. Nagle and Angela Frey. In 1989, he lived in Blakely, PA. Circa 1990-2004, he resided in Scranton, PA, while Rosemary was in Bloomsburg. Grief cascaded over the family in November 1990 at the untimely death of 25-year-old son Daniel.

  • Grandson James D. Nagle II resided in Lime Ridge in 1990.
  • Grandson Daniel E. Nagle (1965-1990) was born on July 14, 1965 in Bloomsburg. He married Carol Pickard ( ? - ? ). Two daughters born to the couple were Rosemary Nagle and Amanda Nagle. Daniel made a living as a self-employed building contractor. The family resided in Bloomsburg at 4037 Smith Street and belonged to the Shiloh Bible Church of Almedia, PA. Sadly, at the age of 25, Daniel became critically ill and was admitted to St. Claire's Riverside Medical Center in Denville, NJ. There, after a stay of nine days, he surrendered to the spirit of death on Nov. 17, 1990. His pastor, Rev. Larry B. Hummel, led the memorial service, with an obituary appearing in the Bloomsburg Press Enterprise. Burial was in Creveling Cemetery, Almedia.
  • Granddaughter Angela Nagle entered into marriage with (?) Frey. She livedin Bloomsburg in 1990. 

Son Clyde R. Nagle was joined in wedlock with Donna. He was the father of Colleen Nagle. He and Donna dwelled in Berwick in 1989-2004.

Son Ronald Eugene Nagle relocated to Denton, TX and was there in 1989-2004.

Copyright © 2013-2014, 2018, 2022 Mark A. Miner