Daniel Patrick McHugh

Daniel “Dan” Patrick McHugh, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and veteran, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022. He was born the fourth of five children on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and was raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Dan graduated from St. Peter’s Preparatory High School, in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1957, and continued his education at St. Peter’s University. After joining the United States Navy in 1962, he became an aviator and flew combat in the Vietnam War, earning numerous military medals for his service.

Following his military duty, Dan transitioned to life as a commercial airline pilot first for National Airlines, which brought his family to Miami, Florida. Taking night classes at Florida Atlantic University, he eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Dan flew many years as a captain for Pan American Airways, several of those based out of Berlin. While there, he and Sharon made wonderful memories traveling throughout Europe. He often said “I don’t feel as though I’ve worked a day in my life.” Dan retired earlier than he had hoped while a captain with Delta Airlines due to health issues. After his heart surgery, he would recall dreams where crew scheduling was calling him back for a flight. During retirement, he redirected his energy to service, driving all over Hillsborough County bringing financial relief to those in need with the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Throughout the years, Sharon was by his side, from the moment they met in 7th grade. He loved her unconditionally and they were a team as friends, parents, grandparents, and travel partners. October would have marked 58 years of loving marriage. Some of their most memorable times as a couple were as newlyweds during his early Navy days based on Oahu, Hawaii, and as young parents to their three adoring children in south Florida.

All who knew Dan felt both his gentle spirit and enormous heart, and they were entertained by his sense of humor. He was never without his mustached smile and he lived to make others laugh. He was genuine, humble, and loyal beyond measure and brightened the day of anyone who was blessed to have crossed his path. He found and focused only on the good in all of us. When he was with you, it was as if the rest of the world had stopped.

He will be especially missed by his seven grandchildren, with whom he spent countless hours pushing swings, fishing and biking. He was their greatest fan on the sidelines of their baseball, soccer, volleyball games, and rowing regattas. Most importantly, he made his grandchildren smile, laugh, and know they were truly cherished.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Helen (Connolly) McHugh, brother John McHugh and brother-in-law Jack White. He is survived by his wife Sharon (Noel), his daughters Debra Rodriguez (Jorge) and Shannon Moroney (Tom), and son Daniel McHugh Jr. (Marie), brothers Peter McHugh (Barbara), James McHugh (Sara), and sister Helen White. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren Michael Awe, Molly Barnes, Jack Moroney, James Moroney, Amanda Moroney, Daniel McHugh III, Andrew McHugh, and great-granddaughter Evelyn Awe.

Heartfelt thanks to Christie, Chip and Liz with LifePath Hospice for their incredible guidance and to Jeff and Sharon Darrey for their spiritual support. A special thank you to Dan’s caregivers Tye Shank and Elpie Rojas, who were with him until the end with their unwavering and compassionate care.

A funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday, September 26th, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception in the McLoughlin Center. The family will lay Dan to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.