The Central New York Region remembers a dedicated ski patroller and physician in William D. “Bill” Nugent, who passed away at the age of 94 on February 24, 2024. For more than two decades, starting in 1968, Bill patrolled at Labrador Mountain, and as a medical doctor, offered many ski patrol training sessions and advice to the patrols in the former Syracuse Section. Bill was known for his wit, his great sense of humor, and ability as a storyteller. He epitomized a generation of patrol leadership in Central New York. Bill was awarded National Appointment 4467 in 1974.

Bill graduated from what is now Upstate Medical Center in 1957 and became a hard-working anesthesiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse until 2005. When he retired at age 76, many people lauded him as a life saver and a hero. He never hesitated to share his expert medical knowledge with the ski patrol or to his neighbors. During his career, he served as president of the Central New York Chapter of the American Heart Association, and president of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists.

In addition to his love of skiing and the ski patrol, Bill was also a lifetime member of the Grasse River Outdoors Club in northern New York state, where he spent time and made many friendships. He was an avid hunter, lover of water, ducks, and dogs. Bill was also a collector of carved wooden ducks.

Dr. Nugent is survived by his wife Donna; eight children: Kim, William, Kelly, Kristin, Megan, Keri, Ryan, and Patrick; 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.