Asa Parnell Nugent

Asa Parnell Nugent, 26, passed away on March 31, 2026, in Washington, District of Columbia. Born on February 11, 2000, in Washington, D.C., Asa lived a life marked by curiosity and service.

Despite facing significant challenges due to learning disabilities, including dyslexia, Asa excelled academically in college through determination and hard work. He graduated magna cum laude from Northern Virginia Community College in 2021 with an Associate of Science in biology and was a proud member of the Tau Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. In 2020, he was named to PTK's Virginia All - Academic Team, an honor bestowed upon only 60 students statewide. Asa also received the college’s Student Engagement and Academic Leadership award for his dedication to community service. He was also pursuing a second Associate degree in Biotechnology at Montgomery College. He loved being in the laboratory. His academic achievements were further recognized through numerous scholarships that celebrated both his scholastic excellence and volunteer efforts. His internship at Capricor Therapeutics in San Diego sharpened his determination to enter biomedical research.

At the time of his passing, Asa was in his final semester at McDaniel College in Maryland, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology. His passion for biology stemmed from his love of solving complex puzzles and understanding the fundamentals of life at the nanoscale. McDaniel College will posthumously award him his degree at their May 2026 commencement ceremony.

Asa’s adventurous spirit extended beyond academics. In 2022, he was selected by the National Italian American Foundation for their prestigious "Voyage of Discovery" program for Italian-American college students. This opportunity became one of the highlights of his travels abroad. He was also proud if his Irish and Cornish heritage which he was able to explore through trips to both Ireland and Cornwall. Asa had visited 15 countries during his lifetime, often accompanied by his parents. He captured these experiences through his talent for photography, preserving memories of diverse cultures and landscapes.

A gifted ceramicist, Asa found joy in teaching pottery to children and sharing his craft by gifting pieces to his friends. He was an active member of Camp Fire through the Camp Fire Patuxent Area Council, earning the organization’s highest national youth honor, the WoHeLo Award, in 2018. This recognition reflected his dedication to volunteering and advocacy work, particularly in educating others about plants and addressing food insecurity.

Asa’s love for plants led him to internships—both paid and unpaid—at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., one of his favorite places. There, he delighted visitors with his knowledge of cacao and orchids while organizing activities for summer campers alongside fellow interns.

In addition to his academic and creative pursuits, Asa enjoyed video gaming and board games with friends. He had a passion for strategic board games and possessed a large number of unusual games. He also had an impressive number of original Bey Blades. Asa also loved his guinea pigs, but especially Arrow who lived to be 8 ½ under his care.

Asa was a member of both Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda and Holy Rosary Church in Washington, D.C., reflecting his spiritual connection to both communities. A memorial service will be held at Cedar Lane in June. At a later date, Asa’s ashes will be interred alongside his Nugent family members at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. The family is looking to plant a tree in his memory in the DC area.

Asa is survived by his loving parents: his mother Eileen Kane, a retired Foreign Service Officer; and his father Rev. Richard Nugent of Washington, D.C. He is also remembered fondly by his aunts and uncles Lorraine Rice; Alison and Paul Gran; Bob and Cynthia Kane; as well as cousins Kathy, Megan, Declan, and Joshua. He is also survived by his many friends and teachers who are brokenhearted at his passing. Asa was predeceased by his grandparents Estelle and Robert Kane and Richard and Maryann Nugent, all originally from Brooklyn.

Known for his kindness and compassion which were a response to his own struggles, Asa possessed an inquisitive mind paired with a gentle nature. He had a gift for observing life’s absurdities and bringing laughter to those around him. Smart, gifted, and precious to those who knew him, Asa leaves behind a legacy of humanity, perseverance, and joy.

May Asa’s memory bring comfort to all who loved him as they celebrate the remarkable life he lived.