John J. McHugh

John J. McHugh, of Essington (formerly of Southwest Philadelphia), passed away suddenly on August 28, 2023.  He was the beloved husband of 42 years of Deborah, proud father of Keith (Andrea), Ami (Anthony), Kellie (Scott) and Jamie and cherished Pop-Pop to Krista, Carly, Olivia, Madison, Anthony, Colin and Abby.   He is predeceased by his parents, John and Irene McHugh, his wife Deborah and son Keith.  He is survived by his fiancé, Kelly Piacentino, many sisters in laws, nieces and nephews.

John was born in Philadelphia and attended Most Blessed Sacrament grade school and West Catholic High School for Boys.  After graduation, John served in the Army before marrying his high school sweetheart, Deborah in 1973. John became a Philadelphia Police Officer in 1980 and served with honor until retirement in 2003. After retirement he worked as a Herrs sales associate until 2017. 

John was loved by many whom he shared interactions and personal relationships with as he was an upstanding, kind man to all he met. He was passionate about sports and enjoyed spending his time watching the Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish! In his life he took his passion and joy for sports with pride in his coaching of baseball for St. Barnabas and West Catholic. He left a great impact on the kids he coached and took great pride in doing so. He believed in all of his kids and was deeply proud of his neighborhood roots. John continued his love for sports through his life most recently enjoying his golden years playing with his beloved Coaches softball team. He was especially proud of his team which helped him endure through many challenges throughout his life.  A championship team of winners which held a very special place in his heart.  Aside from sports, John loved to go to the beach, tend to his pool, do handy work, dine-out with family, listen to music, and spend time with his two dogs, Booter and Penny-Lane.

Relatives and friends are invited to John's visitation to pay respects to his family on Saturday September 9th from 10:00am to 10:50am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave, Morton PA 19070. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00am. Interment will take place in the future. In lieu of flowers donations in his name John J. McHugh to the FOP survivors fund at http://fop5.org

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