Nancy Helene Chaloupka Bagnasco

Nancy Helene Chaloupka Bagnasco, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 7, 2022, at the age of 87.

Born on August 29, 1934, in Jackson Heights, New York, to Joseph and Helen Chaloupka, Nancy grew up in Stony Brook, New York. She cherished her close relationship with her loving family, including her older brother, Donald Chaloupka, who was her lifelong companion and friend. They also had an older sister, Joan, who passed away prior to her third birthday, before they were both born.

After completing her secretarial studies, Nancy began one of her most treasured jobs at The Walt Disney Company in New York City, serving as secretary to Roy Disney. During this time, she had the opportunity to meet many of the studio’s stars, including all the original Mouseketeers, and Fess Parker who starred in the two Disney television series Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

Nancy’s life took a wonderful turn when she met her future husband, Kenneth Bagnasco, through her brother Donald. A summer visit to the family home in Stony Brook sparked a romance that led to their marriage on August 25, 1956, in Queens, New York. Immediately after their wedding, Nancy embarked on an adventure, moving to Stuttgart, Germany, where Kenneth was stationed as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant. Their time in Germany allowed them to travel extensively and create many fond memories together before they returned home the following year to give birth to their first child, Kenneth Jr. Their family later grew to include two more children, Douglas and Jeanne.

After nearly 15 years living in Westbury, New York, with Kenneth committing into the city, 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. They all enjoyed several happy years together until Donald’s passing in June 2021. Nancy passed away eight months later.

Nancy was preceded in death by her older sister Joan Chaloupka, and her older brother, Donald Chaloupka. She was survived by her husband, Kenneth Bagnasco, who later passed away on July 16, 2025. She is also survived by her three children: Kenneth Bagnasco, Jr. and his wife, Kelly; Douglas Bagnasco and his husband, James Deblasi; and Jeanne Stephen and her husband, Larry Stephen. She also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Liana Howe, Jeremy Stephen, Kenneth Bagnasco III, and Kristina Bagnasco.

Nancy will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private service for Nancy and her brother Donald was held on March 19, 2022, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Virginia.

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