John Gerard Nugent Jr.

John Gerard Nugent, Jr., 79 of Apex, passed away on April 20, 2026. Born in Pittsfield, MA on October 28, 1946 to the late John Gerard Nugent, Sr. and Sina Elizabeth Nugent (nee Beers). He lived in Coshocton, OH for his formative years, attended Northwestern University and then joined the US Air Force for 8 years. He worked for The Association of American Railroads/Railinc for 33 years and enjoyed being retired for 19 years.

He was a true Renaissance man in every sense. An avid reader, he amassed a personal library of many books alongside over 1,600 titles on his Nook. He had a lifelong love of crossword puzzles and dedicated countless hours to building model trains, ships, and airplanes, as well as cross stitch. His athletic pursuits were equally varied. He played softball, golf and bowled for many years, played hockey into his late 30s, and stayed active well into retirement with a personal trainer and regular gym visits.

John also had a passion for travel and seeing the world. To celebrate retirement, he embarked on an 18-day solo road trip from the East Coast to the West Coast and back, a journey he planned and drove entirely on his own. He also traveled extensively by sea, going on multiple cruises and visiting countries across the globe.

John was married to Virginia "Ginny" Nugent for 40 years and the father of John “Jack” Gerard Nugent III (Amanda), grandson Kane Owen and Joseph W. Nugent (Marilina Raices) and grandson Sebastián Raices Nugent). He is also survived by his sister Annie Croft (Terry) of Delaware, OH and his brothers Mike Nugent of Dexter, MI and James Nugent (Jeanne) of Wixom, MI.

In lieu of customary remembrances and if you are so moved, the family asks for donations to be made to the JC Raulston Arboretum. A check can be made payable to the NC Agricultural Foundation and mailed to the JC Raulston Arboretum, Campus Box 7522, Raleigh, NC 27695 (Check memo: JCRA John Nugent Memorial) or call 919-513-0264. Or you can donate to any organization you wish to.

We hope you can join us for a celebration of John’s life at the Apex Jaycee Park (451 NC Hwy 55 /W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27502) on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within "Add a Memory" for the Nugent family.