James Arthur Nugent

James A. Nugent, 84, passed away on June 10, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida. Jim was the son of the late Arthur J. and Rosemary Nugent. He was born and raised in New Haven and “up the country” at his family home in the Berkshires. Jim loved watching sunsets, especially the sunset over the Berkshire mountains.

Jim was proud to be a member of the first graduating class at St. Aedan’s School in New Haven; he also attended Notre Dame High School and graduated from Hamden High School. In college, he was a member of the 1956 undefeated Owl football team at SCSC. He played semi-pro football and was recruited to play in the MLB due to his skills as a left-handed first baseman and power hitter.

He was thankful to his childhood friend Charlie Gill (retired judge) who sparked his interest in the law. Jim graduated from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 1967, at the top of his class and as an editor of the Law Review. He practiced law in New Haven County for 50 years. He was a partner at Clark, Hall, Peck and White Brothers and later at Nugent and Bryant. For 31 years he was board counsel to the Greater New Haven Association of Realtors.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, the late Linda Lee Merlone, whom he referred to as “Saint Linda.” Married for 56 years, Jim’s heart was broken, never to heal, when Linda passed away in 2015. Together they raised six children, who survive him: Michele, Michael, Susan (Jennifer Armstrong), Jim (Julie) Bob (Lauren) and Scott (Paula) Nugent. He and Linda were the proud grandparents to Daniel (Queenie) and Michael Severino, Samuel Goodell, Jimmy, Patrick, Matthew, Charlie (Kat) Ben, Luke and Kayla Nugent, Aidan and Casey Armstrong and four great-grandchildren. Jim was devastated by the loss of his first grandchild, Christopher Nugent Severino, in 2020.

Jim leaves behind the best friend he could have ever hoped for in this life, Sam Livieri. Their many adventures included skiing the northeast and the west and playing competitive tennis year-round for 27 years. Jim’s family will be forever grateful to Sam and his wife Nancy for their support, love and friendship throughout the years.

Sam served as Jim‘s best man when, at the tender age of 80, Jim married Jane Blackstone, who survives him. Jim and Jane enjoyed retirement life in Florida. They had many friends and enjoyed their country club activities.

Jim gained two stepdaughters when he married Jane: Allison Stoutland (Jeff) and Karen Elyse Gouterman.

Jim was predeceased by his brother Fredrick K. Nugent, and his sisters, Rosemary Abercrombie and Kate Pasquale. Jim is survived by his brother Bill Nugent (Linda), his sister Ellen Nugent, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim is traveling home to Connecticut for the last time and will be laid to rest beside “Saint Linda” and his grandson Christopher. His hand will always be felt on the shoulders of his children, grandchildren, and his best friend.

Calling hours will be on Monday, June 19th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Beecher and Bennett, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT on Tuesday, June 20th at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial in Centerville Cemetery, Washington Ave., Hamden, CT.