Joseph Martin Fugett

Joseph Martin Fugett, was born on Mosher Street in West Baltimore’s Rosemont Community to Carolyn E. Fugett and Jean S. Fugett, Sr. He graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School and earned a BA degree from Clark College in Atlanta, GA, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He then earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After college, Joseph moved to New York City where he pursued a career in theater while also working for his oldest brother, the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Reginald F. Lewis and, after Reginald’s death, for his widow Loida Nicolas Lewis. From an early age Joseph was fascinated with the arts and was known for amazing dance moves and dramatic performances. He worked with many young artists, helping them find their way in the performing arts arena. He was a performer, the star of our family, and an artist who cared deeply about his work, family, and community. Joseph was always ready to sing a Broadway tune and offer advice on the correct way to do something. And he enjoyed hearing a good joke. In 1982, he was highlighted in the New York Times by critic Frank Rich for his “exuberantly performed” dancing in the lead role of Juba in ‘Five Points’, a workshop staged at the Amas Repertory Theater. Joseph moved back to Baltimore a few years ago, living with his father and mother in Randallstown during their final years and subsequently with his brother Jean S. Fugett, Jr., Esq. On another career note, Joseph also worked as a program director for Catholic Charities Baltimore, from where he recently retired. Always the optimist, Joseph had a memorable smile and winning personality. As the final curtain falls, we applaud a life that was filled with a love of family, mankind, intellectual pursuits, artistic endeavors, fashion, laughter, and God. Joseph is survived by two brothers, Jean S. Fugett Jr., Esquire (Carlotta), and Anthony S. Fugett (Trittye); two sisters, his twin Rosalyn Fugett Wiley, Ed.D. (Elliott), and Sharon Fugett Sands, Esquire (Anthony); sister-in-law Loida Nicolas Lewis, Esquire; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his father Jean Schloss Fugett, Sr., mother Carolyn Edith Cooper Lewis Fugett, and brother Reginald F. Lewis, Esquire.

Tributes

Joseph Martin Fugett

January 22, 1955 - September 21, 2025