Hugh William Pettigrew, M.D.

Born March 7, 1947 in Canton, Ohio, Hugh was the elder of two children and one of many cousins in a large extended family.

Hugh grew up inquisitive and outdoorsy, ice skating in the pond at the foot of the McKinley monument, serving as an altar boy at church, playing sousaphone in the school marching band, and a dedicated Eagle Scout and camp counselor at YMCA Camp Tippecanoe. Hugh’s mother taught him to notice details in the world around him, the birds and plants, the neighbors in need, and to serve the world with his whole heart.

Hugh studied Chemistry and German at Baldwin Wallace College, graduating in 1969, and received his MD from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1973. Hugh met his future wife, Amy (née Conklin), at Vanderbilt, where she was studying nursing. Following medical school, Hugh volunteered on the Ship HOPE off the coast of Brazil. Upon his return to the U.S., Hugh and Amy moved to Charlottesville, VA, where Hugh completed his internship at UVA hospital.

Always inspired by and deeply concerned for children, Hugh completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and fellowship in child psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He and Amy became engaged upon their move to Ohio and settled there for their long medical careers and to raise their family. Hugh’s private practice was the focus of his life for 40 years as a child, adolescent and family psychiatrist. An endlessly empathic physician, Hugh worked six long days a week and built a hugely impactful practice, touching countless individuals and families across southern Ohio. Beyond his private practice, for many years he provided mental healthcare at a number of clinics and residential treatment centers across the region. Being compassionate, he gave so much of himself to others and never sought praise for his works of mercy.

Having fallen in love with Brazilian culture in the early 1970s, Hugh dedicated much of his adult life to learning Portuguese and serving on medical missions throughout the Amazon. He was a voracious reader, the greatest listener, and a true empath. A lifelong lover of music, he was a skilled violinist in his younger years and adored classical and opera, Bossa Nova and instrumental. He embodied social justice, bringing medical skill and care to those in greatest need in his community and in travels around the world.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

As a retiree in Florida he was most dedicated to his role as a grandfather and to Quaker faith through contemplative action. Hugh and Amy traveled extensively in their retirement, visiting all seven continents, but most often visiting with their granddaughters.

Hugh was predeceased by his parents, William C. Pettigrew and Vivian L. Pettigrew of Canton, Ohio and sister Mary Plummer of Columbus, Ohio. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Amy, of nearly 50 years, daughters Ann (Brian Nunes) of Cincinnati and Emily (Tom Martyn) of Boston, and four inquisitive granddaughters (Julienne, Evlin, Audrey and Alice). His life of service will be remembered through the betterment of those touched by his care.

A memorial celebration in the manner of Friends will take place at the Saturnia Lakes Community Common Room in Naples, FL, Saturday, March 23rd at 11AM.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88566512515?pwd=D9wpA6hySsryZWEYAfrXeex3ihTCbk.1__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Jqpm8kSHm-Bc0h0sOklUTSGA0nnGZX-vXx-9O4eHqIWVYwZ1oRb1GJ9sKG7s6RJC7p9Gq7vTD4IU_5CHU-c3fLcBIrWIZSGlqQ89$[us06web[.]zoom[.]us]

Meeting ID: 885 6651 2515

Passcode: 942869

Donations may be made in his name to Ray of Hope, a Brazilian nonprofit organization providing health, nutrition and education assistance to children in Manaus and the Amazon.