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Hugh Field Obituary
New Salem, MA — Hugh Thornycroft Field of New Salem, MA passed away on January 17, 2022, at his children's home in Henderson, NV after a battle with cancer. He was 78. Hugh had visited Henderson and due to Covid restrictions and his subsequent cancer diagnosis he was unable to return to Massachusetts. Hugh was born in New York City on June 16, 1943, to Hermann and Kate Field. When age 6, his father was kidnapped in Europe and became a political prisoner during the cold war. Hugh, his mother, and his younger brother moved to London to Kate's parents, attending King Alfred School and University College School, discovering a lifelong passion for London buses. The family was reunited in 1954 and moved back to the US, settling in Boston where he attended Browne & Nichols School, Woodstock Country School in VT, Harvard University (class of 1965) and UMass Boston, graduating in 1967.
Hugh married Carol Ann Freni in 1971 and had two children, living in Norwood, MA and worked at the MA Department of Welfare as a data analyst until retirement in 2002. Hugh and Carol divorced amicably in 1991.
Hugh married Sharon Ethel Concannon in 2001. They lived in Shirley, MA then purchased a home in New Salem, MA in 2005. They enjoyed watching the wildlife, taking part in town events, spending time with their many friends, and caring for their cats.
Hugh was an avid reader of world history, science, and politics and a member of Mensa. He was always engaged in local events, attending town meetings, serving on several town committees, writing for local newspapers, acting in local theater, singing in the choir and a chorus, and attending science meetups. Hugh is remembered as warm, fun, and quirky. Gentle in spirit, he avoided cynicism and was a friend to all. He always looked for the bright side of situations and the positive in people.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Sharon Field of New Salem, MA; former wife Carolyn Sabina Freni; son Jonathan Field and daughter Cynthia Hemmer and five grandchildren Emelie and Juliette Hemmer, and Anna, Ethan, and Zoe Field, all of Henderson, NV; brother Alan Field of Winchester, MA and sister Alison Field-Juma of Cambridge, MA.
Hugh will be laid to rest in the family plot in Shirley Cemetery following a memorial celebrating his life.
Donations may be sent in Hugh's name to: World Wildlife Fund - www.worldwildlife.org or Natural Resources Defense Council - www.nrdc.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Field
1 Entry
Luisa Field
February 18, 2022
Yes, Hugh was quirky. When I first met Hugh I was taken with his friendly smile and welcoming ways. He had gentle way about him when telling a story or trying to tell a joke. He would laugh shyly as I did not always get the joke. He was a sentimentalist and liked to talk about unusual things. I remember the thousand piece jigsaw puzzle he gave me : A Closeup of Red Riding Hood's Cape. Impossible !
Hugh followed his own path as he pursued life and I am comforted by the fact that in his last years he was with his family who loved him so. May he rest in peace.
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