McHUGH, Dr. Joseph A., Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired) Of Dedham, Massachusetts formerly of Arlington, passed away peacefully at home January 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Joseph was a brilliant, fearless and kind gentleman with an incredible sense of humor.
Born April 7, 1933 to the late Joseph A. McHugh Sr. and A. Marguerite (Smith) McHugh. Joseph was the beloved husband for over 62 years of Joan (Warner) McHugh (formerly of Watertown). He was the loving father of Joan Marie McHugh of Grafton, MA; Suzanne Marie (McHugh) Aiken of Wakefield; Joseph A. McHugh III, USAF, Ret and his wife Lorie of Niceville, Fl; Kathleen Marie (McHugh) Klein of Newport, RI; Sharon Marie McHugh of Gort, Ireland; Eileen (McHugh) Becker and her husband William of Westerly, RI. He is also survived by his seventeen Grandchildren and their spouses as well as seven Great Grandchildren who all adored him. Predeceased by his Sister Kathleen (McHugh) Hogan and survived by his sister Mary Ann Nau of Philadelphia, PA (Predeceased by Brother in-law Dr. Otto S. Nau); Robert E. McHugh and his wife Martha of Annapolis, MD; Brother in Law Francis Hogan of West Palm Beach, FL. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Joseph attended Sacred Heart School and graduated Matignon HS. He eared a BS in Economics from The College of The Holy Cross in 1954, an MBA from Creighton University in 1966 and a PHD in Accounting from Michigan State University in 1970 all while proudly serving our country. His decorated Air Force career spanned over twenty one years and he was the honored recipient of the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon and many more.
After retiring, he transitioned to his second passion of teaching where he was a beloved faculty member, mentor and impactful part of the Boston College, University of Massachusetts and Bentley University communities. He was truly a visionary. Throughout both careers he published over twenty five articles and presented at National and International conferences.
He was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma business societies, a Senior Fellow of The McCormick Institute of Public Affairs, a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers and the AGA just to name a few.
Throughout his life and in retirement, Joseph enjoyed traveling the world with his beloved wife. His greatest joy in life was his family, the memories they made together will forever be with them.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM Sunday, January 29 from 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary of The Assumption Church, 420 High St., Dedham Monday, January 30 at 10am. All are welcome to attend. Interment to follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1pm.
His family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to Dr. Rebecca Glassman and the Beth Israel staff, Cahoun Care Associates, LLC, Partners Home Care and the Hospice of The Good Shepherd. Your kindness will be forever carried in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to The College of The Holy Cross, Alumni Association, Worcester, MA.