Thomas D. McHugh III

MCHUGH, Thomas D., III; 85 of Niantic, CT. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Thomas D. McHugh, III passed away on November 9 at his home. Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Thomas D. McHugh, II and Marjorie (Mahoney) McHugh. He was predeceased by his brother, the late Senior Master Sergeant John J. McHugh, CTANG. He leaves behind his treasured life partner Janice Cullen & his five children, Thomas McHugh, IV and Lindsay Holmes of New London, NH; Elise McHugh-Joyce and Michael Joyce of Naples, Florida; Kathryn McHugh and Stephen Caso of Purcellville, VA; Tracy McHugh and Christopher Cunningham of Waterford, CT; Joseph and Diane (Quesnel) McHugh of Manchester, CT; sister-in-law Lois McHugh of East Granby, CT, his niece Nancy McHugh of Forestdale, MA., and cousin John MaHoney of Newington, CT. Born at the height of the Great Depression and losing his father at 10 years old, Tom and his brother Jack took on many jobs during WWII to help their mother, who returned to work as an executive secretary to make ends meet. Tom delivered newspapers, milk and groceries, and worked as a stable boy.Rising before dawn, working hard, getting things done and providing for his family became guiding principals throughout his life. Tom attended Hartford High School and was a third generation Master Plumber and Pipe Fitter, as well as Welder. Tom was president and business agent for many years for Local 76 (now 777), and its longest active member at 68 years. He was superintendent for major bridgework, including the Brooklyn and Triboro Bridges, Penn Station and major power plants in CT and NYC. He worked for many companies, including Combustion Engineering, Coppers, Morris & Knudsen and was president of the Joseph L.McHugh Corporation. During his early years, Tom was a bass drummer in Our Lady of Sorrows Fife and Drum Corp. After building his home in Hebron, CT, he served as an Auxiliary State Trooper for Troop K. Tom and his best friend, Joe Cunningham, volunteered their mechanical services to provide running water for the Benedictine nuns at The Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, CT. Tom was an avid boater and past-president of his marina, Niantic Dockominiums. 'Big Tom' enjoyed many fabulous adventures to Watch Hill, Greenport, Block Island, and Martha's Vineyard on his beloved Silverton, "Only in America". 'Papa' was a devoted grandfather to Molly McClure, Nora McHugh, Genevieve Joyce Lupton, Caroline Joyce George, Emily Joyce, Katey McHugh Zazzaro, Benjamin Morlok, Luke Caso, Maeve McHugh and Travis McHugh. Tom especially reveled in the antics of his great-grandchildren Emma and Ian Dailey, Joseph McHugh Choinski, Trent and Georgia Lupton, Cecilia George and Zoey Morlok. Tom also loved and admired Jan's grandchildren, Christopher & Shea Cullen. Tom was blessed with a quick and often irreverent Irish with that amused so many and will be sorely missed. Tom often bragged to his children and grandchildren that he held a Ph.D. (plumbing, heating and drainage). P.S. Tom will not be at The Shack for breakfast tomorrow. The wake will be held on Thursday, November 15 from 5-8 PM at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Rd, Uncasville, CT. Funeral Mass will be Friday, November 16 at 11 AM from St. John's Church, 22 Maple Ave, Uncasville. Internment will occur at a later date with the family. Donations in his memory may be made to The Covenant Shelter, 42 Jay St., New London, CT 06320.