David Nagrant

It is with very heavy hearts that we share with you that David Albert Nagrant, 78, is resting in peace. He died peacefully at home on the evening of June 22, 2020, as he slept. He was born to parents Joseph and Violet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 30, 1942. The birth and death of this great man, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived.

Dave was intellectually gifted and had natural musical talent. He attended Ursinus College and Penn State University and studied classical guitar with Norman Ruiz. He was someone who was successful in every endeavor he decided to take on. After moving to Chicago, he became an executive at Pullman-Trailmobile and later started his own automotive company, Midwest Heavy Duty.

He eventually settled in Wisconsin where his children knew him as professionally retired but a full-time prank enthusiast and a man dedicated to dad jokes. His sense of humor and quick wit would result in his friends lovingly referring to him as a pain in the butt.

He loved animals and loved his family. As a father, Dave transitioned seamlessly from formal suits to sweat suits. He loved French wine and cognac, good food, classic cars, listening to many different genres of music, playing guitar and piano, traveling, and a good game of tennis or raquette ball. It was on the court that he single handedly popularized Champion and Adidas sweatbands and sweat suits (before it was cool, a true aficionado).

He passed down many life lessons and guided his children with many words of advice which often became words of comfort when they didn’t follow that advice. He was very proud of his children’s academic achievements. Some excelled, some were expelled, but all graduated. Dave truly enjoyed watching his children play sports, perform in concerts, partake in scouting, and only bailed one out of jail.

Anyone who knew him knew you couldn’t have a conversation that didn’t include his love for the Penn State football team and Pennsylvania sports in general. He was sure to remind you that his team is the best and he was prepared to argue about it. If you haven’t talked sports with him in a while, know that this trait did not change or soften with age.

Dave provided countless lifelong memories for his children and his friends that we will cherish forever. He loved music and he loved to laugh. He instilled a sense of constant curiosity and a continuous hunger for learning in his children and is responsible for our eclectic taste in music.

Left to carry on his memory, his sister, Ginger; his children, Jess, Joe, Susie, Jacob, and Luke; their spouses; his grandchildren; and his cats Java and Curly. All of you reading this who remember him as a friend, please share your memories of him with us.

Following his wishes, the family is gathering for a private ceremony. If you would like to honor him, please plant flowers in your garden, watch a movie with your family, take them out to a nice meal at a local restaurant (we loved to terrorize the folks at Luigi’s, if you need a recommendation), or listen to the latest music from Tuba Skinny, one of his favorite bands.

He lived a full and adventurous life, and we are honored to celebrate a man who leaves such a hole in our hearts. We hope you will do the same.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com