Gerald F. 'Gerry' Nugent

Little changed about Gerry Nugent through his nearly 89 years…in particular his signature haircut (flat top), his affable personality, wonderful sense of humor and gifted ability to quietly make a difference!

Mother Teresa said 'Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.' For over sixty years Gerry quietly made change happen and impacted the lives of so many children and families throughout Worcester County.

Gerry died in the comfort of his home in Shrewsbury surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 11, 2019.

Born on September 30, 1930 he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Elizabeth J. (McGahey) Nugent. Raised in Worcester's Main South neighborhood he was a graduate of Saint Peter's High School and earned his Bachelor's degree from Clark University (1958) and his Master's degree in Social Work from Boston College (1962). He served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Gerry married Newton native Frances Boyle, the love of his life, on May 27, 1961. They moved to Shrewsbury in 1965 to raise and educate their five children. Frankie died unexpectedly on July 6, 2016.

With a desire to help, serve, and make a difference he had social work in his blood. Gerry began his career as a Child Welfare Specialist in Worcester and soon became Supervisor of Social Services for the Division of Child Guardianship in Worcester. In 1968, he became the regional administrator in the Worcester office for the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare. In 1980, he was appointed to the position of Regional Director in Region II in the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Though retiring in 1992, he continued his career as a clinical supervisor at Centros Las Americas on Sycamore Street in Worcester for six years and lastly as Coordinator of Daycare Services for the Guild of Saint Agnes in Whitinsville, retiring at the age of 82.

He also left his mark on the following organizations: Worcester Board of Public Welfare, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Catholic Family Counseling Service in Quincy, the Children's Friends Society in Worcester and the Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester. He was on the board at the Age Center of Worcester, Inc., Family Services of Central Mass, Inc., Worcester Childrens' Friend Society, and served as President of the Board of Directors of Worcester Comprehensive Education and Care, Inc. for over twenty years.

His faith remained the center of his life. Saint Mary's Parish was a place where he nourished his soul and maintained his relationship with God and he welcomed it as his second home. He and Frankie were staples at the 7:30 Mass each Sunday morning. Long active in the parish he was an inaugural member of the parent association at its school and a founder of its Sunday coffee house after each Mass. He was active in its annual Oktoberfest and numerous other activities in the parish and was part of the fabric which makes a church a parish…and a place where all are welcome. He was on the Parent's Council at Saint John's High School where his four boys were educated and a member of the Sodality of Our Blessed Lady at the College of the Holy Cross. Once the children had grown, he and Frankie cooked monthly for Dismas House of Worcester.

Relaxation for Gerry meant time in the yard on Mercury Drive and Prospect Street where the grass really was greener and the pool so clean you'd want to jump in it! He was a familiar face on the tee's and greens of Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough and Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester. He loved listening and singing along to the tunes sung by his buddies in the Jug-O-Punch Band. He enjoyed a glass of something refreshing, the sun on his face and toes in the sand on the beaches of York, Maine, a round of tennis, a swim in the pool and traveling to Cape Cod, Long Island, San Francisco, Florida, Italy, and Ireland. His grandchildren kept him young. Retirement also afforded him appointment as Chief Bottle Capper and Head of Quality Control for his son Matt's budding interest in home brewing many ales for it was fun, easy, tasteful and quality time spent with his youngest.

Gerry leaves his children, Cathleen M. Burke (Frederick) and Joseph P. Nugent, of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey P. Nugent (Margo) of Granville, Vermont, David M. Nugent (Jill) of Millbury and Matthew J. Nugent of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren, Jacob, Caitlyn, Felisha, Meghan, Kearan, Michael and Margaret and great grandchildren, Ryan, Madison, Mason and Dominic. He also leaves his twin sisters Joan Quinlivan of Worcester and Jean Bartholomew (Richard) of North Branford, CT and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was also predeceased by his brother, James Nugent and brother-in-law, James Quinlivan.

Family and friends will honor and remember Gerry's life by gathering for calling hours in The Eastern Shores Club (formerly Knights of Columbus), 206 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury on Thursday, August 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 16th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorials in Gerry's name may be made to The Gerald Nugent Fund for Kids, Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care, Inc., 160 Tacoma St., Worcester, MA 01605 or to the Dream of Hopes Ranch, 16250 Oak Grove Road, Buda, Texas 78610.

Arrangements by James & John Heald of Joyce Funeral Home.