Bernard H Nugent

Port Richmond native Bernard (Barney) Nugent, 82, a former supervising captain of the Staten Island Ferry and a loving father and grandfather, died March 6 in the Oasis Estates, an assisted living facility in Largo, Fla., where he had resided for more than a year.

Mr. Nugent lived most of his life in Port Richmond, reluctantly leaving his beloved New York City to be with family in Pasadena, Fla., in 2009.

"He was a true New Yorker,'' said his daughter, Mary Ann Goodrich. "He loved the Yankees. He loved the New York Giants and the could talk like a New Yorker - he did everything fast. He loved everything about New York..''

He began his career as a deckhand on the ferry and moved through the ranks to captain, then eventually retiring as a supervising captain about 30 years ago. He also served as a police officer for the Department of Marine and Aviation during his career.

Mr. Nugent served in the Navy during the Korean War.

A very sentimental man, he was devoted to his family. He loved animals, especially his two dogs, Friday and Bandit. He was a fan of old movies and also enjoyed chocolate, especially Dove chocolate bars.

In addition to his daughter, Mary Ann, Mr. Nugent is survived by his daughter, Coleen Nugent-Freshman, and two granddaughters.

The funeral will be Monday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, also West Brighton.