Robert Oliver Nugent

Robert Oliver Nugent passed away Sept 28, 2017. He was born in New Iberia, La., on August 30, 1948, to Oliver and Iris Nugent. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice Neill Nugent; his son, Dr. Heath Nugent, and Heath's wife, Jennifer Nugent. He was blessed with 3 grandchildren, Hayden, Garrett, and Riley, whom he adored. He graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana with a BA in History and Political Science. He went on to receive a Master's in Social Work from LSU. He served 2 tours in the US Army. He served initially at Fort Buckner, Okinawa, Japan, where he was the Clinical Director of the Addiction Rehabilitation programs. His second tour was in San Francisco at the Presidio Army Base where he was the Community Service Officer in Charge. During that time, he helped organize and assist in the evacuation from Vietnam orphanages of children born to Vietnam mothers and US soldiers. He was promoted to the rank of Captain. After retiring from the Army, he moved his family back to Louisiana to work at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. He was the first social worker hired by Ochsner and he developed the Social Work Department. He moved on to become the Director of Admissions, Latin American Affairs and Patient Accounts. After 12 years, he moved to Hotel Dieu Hospital where he was Division Director of Community Affairs, Hospice, Home Care, Materials Management, and Social Work. After the state bought Hotel Dieu, he was promoted to Associate Administrator for Charity and University Hospitals. After Katrina, he moved his family to his hometown New Iberia, La. There he was the Director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Clinic. He retired in 2014 and spent his days going to daily Mass and being Papa Bobby. Services will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Robert's honor to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The International Shrine of St. Jude, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70112. 504-525-1551. Arrangements entrusted to Neptune Society of New Orleans, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065. 504-464-3095.