Edward McHugh

Edward Michael McHugh, 91, died peacefully at his residence in Wayne, New Jersey on November 4, 2020.

Edward McHugh was a very decent and hard working American man, a Catholic, a Husband, a Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. Edward’s life is the story of America, the story of an immigrant, a gentle soul who toiled long shifts and multiple jobs to support his family in Ireland, in England, and finally, in New York City.

Edward was born December 13, 1929 to Edward “Ned” McHugh, a farmer, and Annie (nee Tarpey), near Killkelly, in the County of Mayo, Ireland. He was the last surviving sibling of 7: John, Jim, Mary, Eddie, Tom, Bill, and Patty.

In the Parish of Aughamore, in County Mayo, Ireland on July 14, 1956, Edward took Margaret “Peggy” (nee Horkan) as his bride for the next 65 years. Peggy passed away on June 29, 2020 with Edward by her side. Together they raised 5 children in Queens, New York. Throughout their long union, Edward was always a devoted and loving Husband and Father, not saying much but speaking volumes.

Soon after the birth of their first son Terrance, Edward emigrated to the United States. He was sponsored by Pat Waldron, Patsy Reynold’s father representing the Tarpey side of the family. Edward said that he was “very happy never to dig turf again.” Edward arrived in New York City in 1957, and stayed with his Aunt Mary on 91st Street in Rockaway Beach. Edward got a 4-story walk-up flat at 834 Far Rockaway Blvd, Queens, New York.

In 1961, Edward attended vocational school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and all day Saturdays for Electrical and Automotive, and later, Refrigeration. Edward became a Building Superintendent on 102nd Street in Ozone Park, while working full time at the airport in Queens. On July 14, 1961, Peggy and 4 year-old son Terrance re-joined Edward in New York, arriving at Idlewilde Airport on a Trans World Airlines flight from Ireland. Edward worked at the airport for TWA, and then Delta Airlines as a systems engineer.

The McHughs lived in Ozone Park, Queens for many years, and were dedicated parishioners at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Edward fathered Ana, Thomas, and Mary. In October 1968, the McHugh family moved to 81st Street in Ozone Park for over 30 years, where Edward’s fifth child Barbara was born. Edward volunteered over 40 years for the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Retarded (AABR), on behalf of his daughter Mary, who lives in an AABR residence.

Years after Edward’s retirement from Delta Airlines, he and Peggy moved from Ozone Park to Rockaway Park, right on the boardwalk, enjoying many years of friendships with old friends from Ireland and new neighbors in Belle Harbor. Edward survived Hurricane Sandy. They attended daily mass at St. Francis De Sales Church. For the last 2 years of his life, Edward lived with his family, eventually settling in Wayne, NJ.

Edward is survived by his sons Terrance and Thomas, his daughters Ana, Mary and Barbara, his grandchildren Minter, Pharen, Madeline, Jameson, Isabella, Maxiel, Brian and Michael, great grandchildren Sawyer and Piper, son-in-law Sergio, and daughters-in-law Denise and Denise.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Edward McHugh to:

AABR, Inc. Check memo line: for Mary McHugh/memory of Edward McHugh Mailing Address:

AABR, Inc.
1508 College Point Blvd.
College Point, NY 11356

Online address: www.aabr.org

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