Joseph W. Nachtigal of Warwick passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at St. Anthony Community Hospital. He was 69 years old.
Born in Brooklyn on Jan. 2, 1951, he was the son of William and Irene (Burke) Nachtigal.
Joe was the owner of Nightingale Construction in Warwick. Self-taught and trained in the apprentice model of carpentry, Joe specialized in the design and craftsmanship of custom home renovation. Houses that Joe remodeled and built can be seen all over Warwick, northern New Jersey, in Colorado, California and Hawaii.
A man with many passions, Joe was happiest on and near the water. He collected and rebuilt many old boats – canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and motorboats. He was an avid fisherman and reveled in organizing charter boat fishing trips with his buddies.
Joe loved to read, listen to live music, explore new places and cook new and favorite recipes. He earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do at age 50. Joe was a good neighbor, a loyal friend and a devoted husband and father.
Exposed to the teachings of eastern mysticism in adolescence, Joe found great inspiration in meditation throughout his life. He was especially inspired by the many lessons learned and deep friendships forged in daily meetings he attended faithfully and sometimes led, over the past ten years.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Nachtigal; children: Jeremiah Nachtigal of Wilmington, N.C.; Sadie Nachtigal of Paris, France; Owen Nachtigal and his fiancee’ Sarah of Freehold; three sisters: Barbara Annan and her husband Bill of Santa Ana, California, Patricia Nachtigal of Upper Montclair, N.J., and Renie Patterson and her husband Bob of Alameda, California; brother, Paul Nachtigal and his wife Theresa of Ormond Beach, Florida; many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews; and his faithful dog Lily.
Visitation was held Oct. 4 at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a donation in Joe’s memory to the Warwick Greenbelt Preservation Society, PO Box 656, Warwick NY 10990.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. To send an online condolence, visit www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.