John McHugh

John McHugh, a resident for the past year at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums, passed away late Tuesday evening.

Born and raised in Hazleton, he was the son of the late James and Margaret O'Donnell (McHugh) and was a lifetime resident of the area.

John was a 1958 graduate of Hazleton High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until 1964, rising to the rank of corporal.

After his honorable discharge from the service, he began a long and prosperous career, starting at J. Basso and Son Printing Co. In addition to his employment, he was elected president of the Printers Union. Following the closure of J. Basso and Son, he went on to receive an education at Welders Training and Testing Institute of Allentown. At the completion of his education, he was employed in the coal industry as a welder. He then went on to work at Eastern Environmental were he was crew manager and traveled throughout the northeast U.S. In recent years, he held court at B & B Auto, Hazleton, where he sold cars and enjoyed the many family and friends who stopped to discuss politics, day-to-day life and enjoying his great humor and wit.

Most important to John was being a devoted husband, father and proud grandfather. Every conversation included his cherished granddaughter, Frankie. His eyes lit up and his smile grew when he spoke of every milestone of her life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Ann Marie Lettiere, in 2013; and a brother, Joseph McHugh.

John leaves behind his loving daughter, Cristin Basalyga and husband, David, Mountain Top; his precious granddaughter, Francesca Basalyga; sisters and brothers, Elizabeth (Betty) Vitaliano and husband, John, Bloomsburg; Mary McHugh Arundell and husband, Frank, West Palm Beach, Fla.; James McHugh and wife, Dorothy, Tamaqua; Daniel McHugh, Philadelphia; and Edward McHugh and wife, Leslie, York; sister-in-law, Judie, McAdoo Heights; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of John thanks Fritzingertown Senior Living Community administration, nursing and staff for his care during this past year. In addition, Cristin thanks his family and friends who visited him. He enjoyed their company.

At John's request, all services are private.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home Inc., 532 N. Vine St., Hazleton.