Obituary of Michael E. Nagem

Michael Elias Nagem Jr. died peacefully in the comfort of his home on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of 88.

Michael was born on November 6th, 1934, in Waterville, Maine to Michael and Marie (Khoury) Nagem. He played football in college and graduated from the University of Maine in 1956, with a degree in Engineering. Upon moving to Connecticut to find work, Michael met and married Joanne Mary Joseph on May 30, 1959. Michael began working for IBM the same year, which moved him and his family of seven all over the country, including the states of Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, California, and finally to North Carolina.

After a long, robust career with IBM, Michael stayed active and involved during his retirement. Michael taught mathematics at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. While at the university Michael also contributed to the advancement of the university’s Computer Science Program.

In 1989, Michael and Joanne built their own dream home in the marshlands of Beaufort, SC. In Beaufort, Michael worked for Beaufort County to develop their computer operations and to fully implement and run a new voting system. Michael also taught Computer Science at Parris Island’s Marine Corp Base.

His children remember him as a devoted, kind, dependable, loving father who encouraged them to pursue their passions and to enjoy life.

With their children, Michael and Joanne enjoyed traveling and camping in many states and National Parks. Later in life, Joanne and Michael enjoyed extensive world travels and enjoyed learning about other cultures and ways of life.

Michael was passionate about music, football and giving back to the community. He was a loving individual who treasured learning and who was skilled at teaching and mentoring. Through his life Michael was very active in social outreach through his church which included working with migrant farmers, teaching catechism and other activities.

In later years, he continued his volunteering to include, tutoring in underprivileged communities, supporting battered women shelters, and helping at homeless shelters. While his health allowed, he was an active member and often volunteered at Saint Peters Catholic Church with his wife Joanne, especially on the El Salvador Project. Michael was a dedicated member of the community and presided over and participated in the Metrolina Phoenician Club (Lebanese Club of Charlotte).

Very remarkable is the love and caring Michael always showed for family, friends and strangers alike. Special qualities which describe Michael include: integrity, honesty, loving, caring, thoughtful, friendly, generous, and genuine.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife Joanne Mary Nagem in 2019 and his son John Steven Nagem in 2022. He is survived by his children, Andrew Nagem, Daniel Nagem, Jeanne Krise, Matthew Nagem, granddaughter Rachel Nagem Bou Zeid, recently re-united son, Michael Clemens and family, as well as his sister, Anna Jane Fournier and brother, Philip Nagem.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated group of care-givers and hospice staff for the loving and personal care they provided Michael to keep him comfortable and entertained during his final months of illness, allowing him to pass away peacefully at home.

Michael will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

November 10, 2023 at 12:pm an informal reception with light lunch will take place at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service reception room followed by a 1pm Celebration of Life service by Michaels family in the funeral home chapel. 

3pm there will be a memorial mass celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC with inurnment at the church columbarium.

Services are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the domestic violence or homeless shelter of your choice.

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