Just received this obituary for my paternal Great-Grandfather yesterday from my aunt who got it from relatives back in Newfoundland. My maternal Great-Grandfather was also a head constable. My aunt, no doubt, took great pleasure in informing me I come from a long line of Law Enforcement. January 2, 1941 HEAD CONSTABLE JOHN FRANCIS NUGENT: A great thinker, and possibly greater Philosopher, has said that, “In the midst of life we are in Death.” And how often in the lives of all of us have we seen its verification. But when the Dark Angel appears in the midst of rejoicing, his coming is appalling, death, then in all its horrors, it accentuated. And so, amidst the festivities of the Christmas season, when on Saturday past it became known that ex-Head Constable John Francis Nugent had succumbed to a relatively short illness, there was universal regret and poignant sorrow amongst his immediate friends, and the members of his heart-broken family. All over the Country, the late Head Constable was known and respected. Tough, quiet, and unassuming, the deceased was a man gifted with intelligence of a high order, and when his abilities were made know to his superiors, promotion frequently was conferred upon him. The deceased was some 45 years, a member of the Constabulary, and served under Inspector General Fawcett, McGowan, Sullivan, Hutchings, and the present Director of the Force, P.J. O’Neill. A man often assigned to duties of a very exacting character, he executed them in a manner which won for him the aplomb of those above him, and to his associates and subordinates, the respect which is generally accorded to men of exceptional executive ability. His passing was quiet and peaceful, and his illness was borne with the exemplary fortitude and resignation of the good Christian, and the devout Catholic gentleman that he was. The last Sacraments were imparted by Rev. Father Savin of St. Patrick’s, and during his illness he was also attended by Revs. Fathers Kent, Eagen, and Maher, all particular personal friends of the deceased and his family. The Head Constable was a consistent member of the Holy Name Society, and no adverse weather kept him from daily attendance at Holy Mass. While the remains were in the home of the deceased, it was thronged with mourning friends and relatives, and the casket was covered with spiritual and some handsome floral banquets. The funeral took place on Monday, attended by a concourse of citizens, and the Police Force, present in great strength, in full uniform, and with arms reversed, was commanded by Assistant Chief of Police, Strange and Sergt. Crocker. As the cortege passed through Water, New Gower, and other streets leading to the R.C. Cathedral, hundreds of citizens with bared heads, uttered a solemn requiescat for one most favorably known to many of them. The funeral arrangements were capably attended to by the well known firm of N.J. Murphy & Sons. The deceased is survived by a widow, (nee Charlotte Swain of Calvert), 3 sons, Aiden and John at home, Charles at Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A., and six daughters, viz. Mesdames George L Yeats (Nance) of Prisley, Scotland; John Walsh, John Angel, Ronald Shortall, John Byrne, and Miss Mary at home. Also two sisters; Mrs. John Kent of Bell Island, and Mrs. Maloney of Harbor Main. At the Cathedral, the last prayers and final absolution were imparted by Rev. Father Bowne, and internment was at Mount Carmel Cemetery. - T.D. Carew.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 15:59:20 +0000
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