Joseph B. Nugent

Joseph B. Nugent , 77, peacefully went to heaven at his home on January 24, 2026. Joe left on his own terms, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him, his precious rescued fur babies, his books and all the treasures from his travels that he held so dear

Joe was born March 26th 1948, in Pittsfield MA, the son of the late Edward and Martha Nugent. He was educated in Pittsfield schools and joined the Navy serving during the Vietnam War. Joe took his discharge in Europe and backpacked around Europe by train before returning to the states. Upon his return he attended College in San Diego and at UMass he was employed in the hospitality industry and worked at hotels in San Diego and Chicago. He returned to the Pittsfield area and worked at the Williamstown inn and the Red Lion Inn, Haddad Pontiac the Pittsfield Transportation Center and was a rural mail carrier in Pittsfield for the US Post Office

In 1987 he met the love of his life, Thomas Moylan. and relocated to Albany to begin their life together. After coming to Albany he worked for New York State Higher Education Assistance Corporation and the New York State Thruway as a toll collector before retiring in 2012

Upon retirement Joe focused on his love for gardening, birding, reading and puttering around the house. One of Joe's proudest accomplishments was the rescue of his eight fur babies. If a dumped kitten or feral cat found their way to their yard and needed a home, they found their way into Joe's heart, always saying “There was room for one more” he was especially a fond of SCRUFF, the volunteers and the work they do.

Joe was a natural storyteller, would enjoy telling of his past experiences and travels. When he talked to you he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He had a vast knowledge of gardening and birding and was eager and willing to share that knowledge.. He was also well versed in Berkshire County history,.

A simple conversation on Thanksgiving 20 years ago began with Joe saying “Let's make let's make Christmas cookies this year.” That led to an to annual event that at its high point gave thousands of cookies to hundreds of people at Christmas. Joe took great pleasure in finding new cookies to add a every year and worked diligently to make sure that every year was a success And that everybody had the joy of homemade Christmas cookies.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brother Edward “Billy” Nugent, and cousin Patty Maxwell Baker.

Joe is survived by his husband and life partner of over 38 years, Thomas Moylan; siblings, Jane Nugent, Christopher Nugent and Clement Nugent, all of Pittsfield Massachusetts; many cousins, including: Marianne Maxwell Parise; best friend, Carmine “Bubba” Riccardo and his sister Maryanne Riccardo Murphy of Albany; friends, Christopher Clute, Ericka Fowler; and his beloved rescued fur babies: Squeaky, Tiny, Peanut, Lily, Dora, Flora, Muffin and his Smokey (who still sleeps with his slipper).

Tom and Joe's family would like to thank the Palliative Care Department at the Stratton VA Medical Center, especially Kathleen English and Erin Vanderwerken; and Community Hospice, as well as the nurses and aides of 8B For their loving care shown to Joe and for getting him home for his last days as he wished

In lieu of flowers ,if Joe ever touched your life in some way with a story ,a favor or with the cookies we ask that you please say one final THANK YOU and make a donation in his memory to SCRUFF (Spaying Capital Region Unowned Feral Felines) at SCRUFFCATS.ORG OR SCRUFF PO Box 200 Guilderland NY 12084