Kenneth Joseph Bagnasco

Kenneth Joseph Bagnasco, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on August 22, 1933, in Astoria, New York, to Joseph and Georgianna Bagnasco, Kenneth cherished his close relationships with his family, including his older sister, Dorothy Schlatterer, and his younger sister, Grace O'Brien. Kenneth and Grace shared a lifelong love of music and frequently sang together while growing up at home. He never forgot the lyrics, and even at 91 years old, he could still sing from memory nearly every song from his generation— something that amazed everyone who knew him.

After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, Kenneth joined the Army ROTC and studied industrial design at Pratt Institute, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial art.

Kenneth’s life took a wonderful turn when he met his future wife, Nancy Helene Chaloupka, through her brother, Donald Chaloupka. Their romance began during a summer visit to the Chaloupka family home in Stony Brook, New York, and led to their marriage on August 25, 1956, in Queens, New York.

Kenneth was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant, and immediately after their wedding, they traveled to Germany so he could return to duty. Their time abroad allowed them to travel extensively before returning home for the birth of their first child, Kenneth Jr. Their family later grew to include two more children, Douglas and Jeanne.

After leaving the military, they moved to Westbury, New York, where Kenneth began working as an industrial designer in New York City. During this time, he created displays for major corporations and designed several corporate exhibits for the 1964 World's Fair in New York City.

After nearly 15 years, Kenneth and Nancy decided to go into business for themselves in an entirely new industry. They moved their family to Montauk, New York, where they became the proud proprietors of The Breakers Oceanfront Resort. They later expanded their business by acquiring The Lakeside Inn, a waterfront restaurant and nightclub hosting notable performers and celebrities that included Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Billy Joel, and Las Vegas nightclub performer Tony Costa and his band, who appeared for a full summer engagement.

In retirement, after eventually selling their businesses, Kenneth and Nancy moved to Anna Maria Island, Florida, and later settled in New Port Richey to be closer to their daughter Jeanne and her family. They spent these years traveling the world and fulfilling many dreams on their bucket list. In 2017, they relocated to Roanoke, Virginia, to be near their son Kenneth Jr. and his family, as well as Nancy’s brother, Donald Chaloupka, who lived nearby in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his sisters, Dorothy Schlatterer and Grace O'Brien; and his brother-in-law, Donald Chaloupka. He is survived by his three children: Kenneth Bagnasco, Jr. and his wife, Kelly Bagnasco; Douglas Bagnasco and his husband, James DeBlasi; and Jeanne Stephen and her husband, Larry Stephen. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Liana Howe, Jeremy Stephen, Kenneth Bagnasco III, and Kristina Bagnasco.

Kenneth will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private service for Kenneth was held on Sunday, March 14, 2026, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Virginia.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jonhmoakey.com.