Stephen L. Nagler, 78, passed away on September 16, 2025. Arrangements were entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.
Stephen was born on January 28, 1947, in the Bronx, NY to Walter and Martha (Sanger) Nagler. He attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. He was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor in June 1973 at Faith Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA. He served at Grace Lutheran Church, San Mateo, California, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in Lake Isabella, California and a dual pastorate, First Lutheran and St. Paul’s Lutheran, Willows and Artois, California. He joined the Army Reserve in 1981, going Active Duty in 1985 and was honorably discharged in March 2005. He began working with the New York State Corrections as a Prison Chaplain in July 2005. Retiring from the Cape Vincent facility in August 2023.
On September 30th , 1972, Stephen married the love of his life Sharon Hubbard. They met in Chicago at St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served as Vicar for a year.
Stephen enjoyed watching sports, going for walks and long rides with his dogs, donating canned dog food to the county dog shelter, and feeding his many beloved furry wild critters.
Along with his wife, Sharon, Stephen is survived by his children; Nathan (Jennifer) Nagler, NC, Naomi Nagler, Evans Mills, NY, and Nalene (Chad) Muldovan, Watertown, NY and his grandchildren; Andrew and Jacob Nagler, Aidan Barbosa and Seth Muldovan. Nieces, Doreen, Donna (Dana), Diana, Cindy (Robert), Dawn (Andy), Gale and nephew Richard (Annette).
Stephen is predeceased by his parents, and siblings, Marion Strauss and Richard Nagler.
Calling hours was held on Wednesday, September 24th from 11-1PM with a memorial service immediately following at Cleveland Funeral Home, 404 Sherman St. Watertown, NY.
Donations in Stephen’s memory can be made to the Jefferson County Dog Shelter (canned dog food) and Lutheran World Relief.
Online Condolences may be shared at www.clevelandfhinc.com.
