Published in the January 17, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Francis W. “Fran” Nugent, a resident of Wakefield and formerly of Chelsea, passed away peacefully at the West Revere Health Center on Thursday, January 12, at 90 years of age.
Fran was born and raised in Chelsea, one of five children of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Hanlon) Nugent. Fran attended Chelsea schools and was graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1944.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II and was honorably discharged. He returned to Chelsea and was soon married to Jane R. (Jones) Nugent. Together they had three children and shared over 66 years together up to the time of Jane’s passing three years ago.
In the mid 1950’s Fran began working for the City of Chelsea Engineering Department, holding the position of city engineer for many years. He retired after 40 plus years of service.
Fran and his wife relocated to Wakefield 23 years ago after his retirement.
As a young man Fran was a devoted fan of the old Boston Braves and was member of the team’s “Knot Hole Gang”; he was also a fan of the Boston Red Sox, S.F. Giants and the N.E. Patriots.
He was a former member of the Chelsea Knights of Columbus and VFW Post 1538. He was a charter member, past officer and board member of the Cary Square Assoc. In his lifetime Fran enjoyed time with family taking day trips and listening to 40’s music.
In addition to his wife and parents Fran was also preceded in death by his son Francis “Barney” Nugent and his siblings: Beatrice Chapman, Eleanor, James and Elizabeth Nugent.
He is lovingly survived by his children and their spouses: Mike Nugent and his wife Joanne Evans of Chelsea, Jane Robblee Smith and her husband Rodney of Wakefield, and Barney’s wife, Denise of West Peabody. He was the cherished grandfather of Michael Nugent, David Nugent, Jason Robblee, Jody Nugent, Tim Robblee and Chris Robblee. Adored great grandfather of Jakob and Sadie Robblee, Mason and Max Medbery and Harper Nugent.
Funeral from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Wednesday, January 18, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend.
Visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The funeral home is fully handicap accessible and there is ample parking opposite the funeral home.
For directions or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com.
