Richard Edward Nugent

Richard E. “Dick” Nugent, 79, of Grosse Pointe Farms, died peacefully on November 9, 2025. Born to Vincent (Red) and Rosella (Rose) Nugent in Evanston, Illinois on June 1, 1946, Dick grew up in Chicago and in Des Plaines Illinois as the oldest of six children. He graduated Loyola Academy in Wilmette in 1964. On August 10, 1968 Dick married Mary Diane Franta at St Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, Illinois. Mary D was his best friend and the person who brought great joy to his life. They welcomed three boys and raised them in Grosse Pointe Farms. Dick attended John Carroll University and University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating in 1968 with a degree in history. He began his career in the Chicago area with V. Mueller before relocating to Grosse Pointe Farms in 1972, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He later pursued a Master’s in Physics from Wayne State, completing in 1979, which launched a long and successful career with Hewlett Packard before retiring in 1997. While at HP, Dick managed the Ford account for many years, helping the team at the Engine and Electrical Engineering (EEE) building navigate the technical shifts from mainframe to mini to personal computers. Though his title was Sales Representative, he was also a trusted strategic advisor, always at the forefront of technology, learning and adapting throughout his career and his life. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1988, Dick managed his condition for decades with quiet dignity. After retiring, he established a small business in Grosse Pointe, creating cherished collections of photos and videos to commemorate special milestones. He was recognized as a “Pointer of Interest” for his work in helping others compile their memories, long before the technology made this work easier for people. Dick was predeceased by his wife, Mary Diane, who passed away in 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Her absence left a big hole these past 10 years, and his family takes comfort in their reunion. Dick had many passions in life. He passed on his love of baseball to his sons and grandchildren, coaching Little League starting in the early 1970s before his sons even played. They all fell in love with the game and have great memories of first being batboys, then playing, and finally coaching themselves. He loved music, first playing the guitar and then finding new folk singers to share with his friends and family. He was an avid reader and history buff, particularly focused on the Civil War, and was a dedicated fan of JRR Tolkien's works. He often regaled his children with stories of the Battle of Gettysburg, especially the defense of Little Round Top. Dick leaves behind his sons: Tim (Amanda) of Wilmette, IL; Kevin (Jane) of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Brian (Jill) of Laguna Beach, CA; and nephew Paul Franta. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Thomas, Peyton Kevin, Grayson, Daniel, Victoria, Patrick, James, and Alec A memorial mass for Dick will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, November 22, at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. Visitation will be held prior to the mass from 9:30-10:00 am in St. Paul’s Gathering Space. A luncheon will be held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial immediately following the mass.

Richard Edward Nugent

June 1, 1946 - November 9, 2025