As we celebrate National Public Works Week from May 18 to 24, the Town of Clayton commends the people behind the scenes who serve our community every single day. These are the workers who repair our roads, take care of the Town’s vehicles and equipment, and in the case of Joseph Nelligan, help families through some of life’s hardest moments. 

For the past four years, Nelligan has served as the Town’s Cemetery Specialist. While his job might not be widely known, it holds a deep and meaningful purpose. As Clayton’s dedicated grave digger, he plays an important part in ensuring that families are given a place to honor their loved ones. 

“When people think about funerals, they only see one part,” said Nelligan. “But there is so much more that happens before and after.” 

Each day, Nelligan and his teammate, Dwayne Uhler, prepare burial plots with great care. It is not just about digging a hole; it is about creating a respectful and peaceful space for families to say their goodbyes.  

“We take our time and do it right,” he said. “We do not rush it.” 

The work can be physically demanding with Nelligan braving everything from 100-degree heat to freezing temperatures. But it’s a job he continues to do with pride and compassion.  

“It’s not easy work,” he said. “But when everything is in place and the family is at peace, we know we’ve done it right.” 

Nelligan’s commitment to his work goes beyond the physical labor. It is about creating a space where families feel comforted and connected to their loved ones. 

“I think it’s important for people to have a nice place,” he said. “When families come to visit, they should feel at ease and supported. This job is about caring for people in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.” 

The work is not without emotional challenges. Nelligan has buried people from three months old to 104.  

“Sometimes it is sad,” he shared. “When I think about burying someone so young, I think about my grandbabies, and it really hits home. Other times, we laugh with the family as they remember their loved one. Everyone has a story.” 

It is moments like these that stay with him, like the families who return week after week to lay fresh flowers, quietly honoring the memory of someone they deeply loved. 

“It’s about respect,” Nelligan said. “Everyone grieves differently. Some sit in silence, others talk to the stone or leave something behind. We do what we can to keep the space meaningful, so families can feel close to the ones they’ve lost.” 

Nelligan’s work includes maintaining each of the Town’s cemeteries, making sure the grounds are always neat and presentable. This means taking care of everything from weed-eating to landscaping, preserving each cemetery as a peaceful and sacred space. 

And in times of great loss, like during the peak of the pandemic, when burials were happening every day, Nelligan and his team continued their work without hesitation. He recalls a husband and wife who passed away on the same day.  

“I buried them both together,” he said. “Their only wish was for the vaults to touch, and we made sure that happened.” 

Nelligan’s job may not make the news. But it impacts lives every week. His quiet work brings comfort, care, and dignity during a time when families need it most. 

“There are a lot of people who love each other, and it’s humbling to see it firsthand,” Nelligan added. “My team and I spend so much time together, and you really come to understand the importance of the work when you see the bond people have.” 

To learn more about the Town’s Public Works Department, visit townofclaytonnc.org/PublicWorks.