[1] In 1900, Fugett lived in Van Buren, New York with his parents and siblings (Frank M., Bessie J., James K. and Sarah E.).
The State Department of Public Instruction invited Fugett to be a part of a statewide committee whose purpose was to prepare educational materials on cultural competency.
In 1945, Fugett served as secretary to Major Richard R. Wright at the United Nations Conference on International Organization.
During the commencement ceremony at Cheyney University in 1957, Fugett was cited for "advancing education, serving the community, and enlightening human relations."
At a ceremony to formally rename the school, it was proclaimed that October 13, 1965 would be declared "Joseph R. Fugett Day."