We just got word yesterday that our good friend and Classmate, Mike Nugent passed away this last Friday, June 13, 2025.
Michael Nugent BHS '64, was born on September 6, 1946. He passed away on June 13, 2025, in Plano, Texas. The Family said his passing was probably caused by a heart attack due to previous health problems.
Mike moved from Valencia to Plano, Texas to be near his daughter. He was an avid Sports Fan, a long-time referee of Girls Basketball and had also been a Baseball Umpire. Mike was a retired teacher and he was loved by all who knew him and he loved them all right back. He always had a smile, a hug and a kind word for everyone. Mike was one of the "GOOD GUYS" and will be forever missed by his Friends and Family which include his brother Bob Nugent who was in BHS Class 1967.
The Celebration of Life for Mike will be Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 2-6 PM at the Burbank VFW located at 1006 Magnolia Blvd., Burbank CA.
Pam Zipfel Kirkwood BHS '64 and Jon Kirkwood BHS '64
OBITUARY
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Michael Abram Nugent, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach, referee, mentor, friend, and dedicated sports enthusiast, on June 13, 2025, at the age of 78. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in learning, influence, discipline, teamwork, guidance, fairness, support and an unwavering passion for sports.
He was born on September 6, 1946, in Paterson, New Jersey, Mike dedicated his life to his passion for learning and teaching. As a proud “Bulldog” by way of graduating from Burbank High (1964) and the University of Redlands (1969), he found his true calling as a teacher and “Bulldog” at Bowman High School. There he took immense pleasure in shaping young minds, fostering critical thinking and supporting teens on their journey to adulthood. While receiving the Teacher of the Year award from the Hart District in 2003 was a point of pride, it was surpassed by the profound satisfaction of seeing his Bowman students graduate and successfully transition into adulthood, many of whom he maintained contact with for years.
Outside of academia, Mike's greatest enjoyment stemmed from his lifelong involvement in sports as a player, coach, referee, and all-around supporter. He was a highly respected basketball referee for four decades and an acclaimed coach, allowing him to instill principles of fair play, discipline and teamwork in generations of athletes. In recent years, he took immense pride and delight in cheering on his grandson Robert across various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer and track.
Mike was a natural mentor who found great satisfaction in guiding, coaching, advising and supporting others. He seamlessly combined his pedagogical wisdom with the values of sportsmanship; using this unique approach to help others navigate challenges and discover their full potential, both in and out of the classroom and on and off the court.
In 2019, The Santa Clarita Signal published an article, “The Man Behind the Whistle”, capturing the essence of Mike Nugent.
Mike is survived by his loving children, Vivian Forr, Tami Nugent, Leigh Bissell and Ryk Comerford; his cherished grandchildren, Robert Nugent, Kierstin Wilcox and Easen Bissell; his adored great-grandchildren, Carson and Emerie Wilcox; his admired brother Bob Nugent; beloved nephew Robert Nugent, dear niece Nicole Nugent and his treasured (former) wife of 41 years Judi Nugent. He also leaves behind a vast network of former students, colleagues, friends and sports fanatics whose lives were profoundly impacted by his passion and spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Burbank VFW 1006 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank California. Guests are encouraged to wear sports-themed attire, with Lakers, Dodgers, USC, UCLA or Rams gear being a favored choice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bowman Scholarship Fund in Michael Abram Nugent's name, supporting the next generation of Bulldogs in their education. To donate, please make checks payable to Bowman High School and mail them to: 21508 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, California 91350.
Celebration of Life
Sunday, August 10, 2025
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Burbank VFW
1006 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91506
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Jean Parrinello-Longmore
RIP. 🙏🙏🙏
Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏
Kathleen Moore Nutting
This is such sad news. Mike was just a great guy who loved his daughters and grandson, whom he could never stop bragging about. May Mike’s soul Rest in Peace.
Bob Hart
Mike was the real deal.. intelligence compassion with a huge heart. he will be remembered
Timothy Zuma Tim Tolnay
I'm so sorry to receive this news. Mike always seemed to be on a basketball court or baseball field. Mike was a big part of the sports scene in Burbank during the 60's and 70's.RIP Mike, I will think of you often.
Bob Long
Sad to hear!
Sue Basile
😪🙏
Tom Moriarty
So sad to hear this.
RIP Mike!!!
Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
🙏🏻
Sue Burnette
RIP ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Henry A Garcia
So sorry for your loss. It was a fun gentleman played on a ball at the park with him. Rest in peace. 
Sue Flynn
I'm so sorry for your loss, I know what that's like, so difficult
Julian Almaraz
RIP coach 🙏, he was my little league baseball coach.
Mickey DePalo
Rest In Peace, my friend. Your passion for sports, coaching, teaching, and life in general is a wonderful legacy. And, last but certainly not least, the genuine pride and love you had for your beautiful daughters, Vivian and Tami. 🙏
Steve Mate
I believe he was Margie Nugent’s older brother. Sadly Margie passed away last year and now Bob.
Linda Everett
I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My heart goes out to his family and especially to his brother, Bob Nugent, who was a dear friend of mine when we were seniors at BHS.🙏😢🙏
Patricia Sorley
Oh Mike I remember what a nice stable polite guy you were in high school. R.I.P. old bulldog. Condolences to the loved ones left behind.
Liz Allen
RIP
John Deahl
RIP Mike. We played a lot of street ball back in the day and we always had a ton of fun. Fond memories of you.
Nancy Olsen Barry
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. First Margie and now her brother. My prayers are with the family at this sad time. 🙏🙏❤️
Karra Blackburn Merritt
May he rest in peace to Eternity 🌹
Donna Moore
Sad news indeed. He was preceded in death by his younger sister Margie, class of 1971
Mike Catalano
My favorite ref. 🙏🏻😇
Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️
Warren Swanson
'The Nuge'. Mike went to Redlands with several of us after graduating. He actually lived next door in North Hall our freshman and sophmore years. He was notorious for being able to sleep anywhere anytime. We thought he took a lot of naps to avoid studying. I think becoming a ref was the perfect avocation for him. I saw him last at our 50th college reunion, where it was great to reconnect. My condolences to his family and his many friends.
Michael Ruiz
So sorry to hear this, a great guy!
Harold Maxham
RIP Mike.
Brian Keiser
RIP 🙏 Mr. Nugent.
Carole Collins
Bless you dear
Mike. I always enjoyed visiting with you! 😇👍
John Panarisi
So sorry to hear he was a great guy
Marlene Zober Lipman
So sorry to hear about Mike. My condolences to his family. 🙏
Gilbert Tobón
Rip ❤️🎈🌻
Al Fredrickson
Always fair as a referee and umpire and an all around fine person RIP Mike Nugent 😇
Pam Kirkwood
Here is a Great picture of Mike Nugent '64 and our Senior Bulldog President, Corey Fredrickson '74
Mary Lou Johnson Anderson
I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers of comfort for Mike's family
Darlene Culotta
I remember him. Sorry to hear this.
Peggy Melton Cyphers
RIP Mike
Annette Dinolfo Bennett
🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Charles C. Harper III
Mike and I played on the same little league baseball team and also in the street and in his driveway on Jolley Drive. His dad was our coach. I loved spending time at the Nugent's.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He and Jack Harris and I were all neighbors, along with Rita Blankenship. My best wishes to his family. He was a good friend who I look forward to seeing again in the next life.
There is a next life, I know that from experiences too holy to mention. My sincere condolences. He's in a good place where he won't have to put baseball cards in his shoes to cover the holes in his shoes.♥️
Geno Munari
So sorry to hear this. My prayers for Mike and his family and friends.
Cheri Pene
My condolences to Mike's family and friends, RIP Mike 🙏
Cheri Pene
Thoughts and prayers are with Mike's loved ones
Suzanne C. LaBonge
I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers of comfort for Mike's family
Narita Siegel
Was he related to the Nugent Chevrolet Nugents?
Nainsi Skiba
RIP.
Ron Negus
Mike was a kind gentleman who I was lucky enough to teach to water ski and have fun boating at the lake. RIP Michael Nugent.
Great man. RIP Mike.
ReplyDeleteI remember Mr. Nugent - he was a cool teacher! Always helping students whenever they needed it. RIP SIR!
ReplyDelete