Donald Michael McHugh

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Donald M. McHugh, age 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Don passed away on April 20, 2024, following an unforeseen heart attack. Don was raised in East Hanover, New Jersey as the youngest of 4 children. Don attended high school at Seton Hall Prep where he excelled in all his classes (as well as baseball, poker and pinochle). A true Seton Hall boy, he went on to attend Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Law School, where he earned his accounting degree and Juris Doctorate. Don worked his way through college and law school as a milkman and by selling monuments for McHugh Memorials. Following law school, Don decided to practice law solo but eventually was joined by his legal partner and formed "McHugh & Macri." Don practiced there until his retirement at age 73.
While Don began his legal career focused on Real Estate law, he became an early pioneer of the practice of Elder Law, becoming a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and President of the NJ Chapter of NAELA (the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys). He was also the chair of the Elder/Disability Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and chair of the New Jersey Medicaid regulation committee. A frequent author and lecturer on Elder Law to civic groups and professional legal organizations, he was also a member of the prestigious NAELA Council of Advanced Practitioners.
There was nothing that meant more to Don than family. Don met the love of his life, Patricia (Wheelan) McHugh, at the early age of 15 whom he married and raised three daughters with. Don and Pat were true life partners and enjoyed playing golf, going to the casino, playing cards, and mostly each other's company. He was the proud "Pop Pop" to five granddaughters whom he loved dearly. The girls will all have wonderful memories of fishing and tubing with him on his boat at Lake Culver.
Donald was predeceased by his parents: Terence J. McHugh and Elizabeth Clare (nee- Fay) McHugh, and his siblings: Terence McHugh, William McHugh and Elizabeth (nee-McHugh) Ligos.
Donald is survived by his wife: Patricia (nee-Wheelan) McHugh of Morristown, NJ and Delray Beach, FL; his daughters: Colleen (nee-McHugh) Seneca of Chester, NJ, Charlene McHugh of Fanwood, NJ, and Shannon (nee-McHugh) Price of Melrose, MA; his son-in-laws Rooker Price and David Seneca and his grandchildren; Samantha Seneca, Danielle Seneca, Patty McHugh, Caitlin Price and Bridget Price.
Don was the family patriarch and "first phone call" to many. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his enthusiasm and his service to his community. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Par-Troy Funeral Home (95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, NJ) on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Funeral mass will be offered on Monday, April 30 at St. Rose of Lima Church (312 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ) at 10:00 am. Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).