Daniel Carter McHugh

Daniel Carter McHugh, died peacefully at his home in Arlington on December 25, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones; he was 90 years old. Daniel was born to the late James M. McHugh and Emogene C. McHugh on May 5, 1932 in Washington, D.C. Daniel graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1950, after which he attended the University of Virginia. On October 9, 1954, he married his wife of 68 years, Joan L. McHugh.

Daniel is preceded in death by his siblings, Virginia Sabean, William McHugh, Carol Ann Heon, and Robert McHugh.

Post high school, Daniel worked as a mechanic, and he enjoyed working on cars throughout is life. In 1952, Daniel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a meteorologist to support the Korean War effort. After the Marine Corps, Daniel worked as a draftsman at Melpar, and then joined the recently established National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Goddard Space Flight Center as a technician, which was to be his professional home for more than 40 years before his retirement in 2004. Daniel received many honors and awards during his career at NASA, and was a valued member of the Cryogenics and Fluids Branch, the X-Ray Spectrometer Team, and the Infrared Multi-Object Spectrometer Team, receiving the Recognition of Merit award for 4 decades of service.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Daniel always put his family first, and was a constant in their lives. Daniel enjoyed spending family time at the Hill, camping with the Heons, and at the Cabin on the Potomac River. During his twenties, Daniel enjoyed Gymkhana skilled racing, and was a car enthusiast all his life. Daniel also enjoyed all things having to do with trains, including railfan trips and model railroading.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Joan L. McHugh; daughter Carol Thompson, and sons Mark McHugh (Gwen McHugh), and Michael McHugh (David Wolfe); grandchildren Kenna Abrego (Camilo Abrego), Christopher Thompson (Rachel Bare), Jonathan McHugh, Katherine Brown (Alan Brown); and great grandchildren Emil Abrego and Clark Brown.

A celebration of life gathering and reception for Daniel will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 12:00 to 2:00 at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Due to health concerns for some family members, guests are requested to wear masks when not eating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Daniel’s memory may be made to:

Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ –

https://www.rockspringucc.org/

the Prostate Cancer Foundation -

https://cure.pcf.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2441&mfc_pref=T&2441.donation=form1

Fond memories of Daniel may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the McHugh family.