A long-standing member of the Palmyra community, Tom was born April 28, 1926 to Thomas and Myrtle McHugh of Phoenixville, PA and passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021. Tom was the beloved husband of 30 years to Nancy, loving father of Patricia Berggren (née McHugh) and her husband Rick, Thomas McHugh, Susan Coyne (née McHugh) and her husband Mitchell, Matthew McHugh and his wife Stacey, Robert Fittipaldi and his wife Kathy, John Fittipaldi and his partner Tina, Mary Fittipaldi, and Michael Fittipaldi and his wife Michelle, and his daughter-in-law Margaret McHugh (née Galvin). He is also survived by 15 beloved grandchildren and 4 great-granddaughters. Tom leaves behind his brother, John McHugh and his sister, Martha Jane Blea (née McHugh) as well as his never forgotten players, students, and loyal friends. Tom was predeceased by his son, Michael McHugh.

A life of 94 years, it is difficult to capture, in a brief snapshot, the essence of a man who has led a full and hearty life.

Joining the Army at age 17, he served in the Panama Canal during WWII with some of that time spent in classified missions. He was proud to serve, never faltering as a true patriot to his country and fellow soldiers.

Upon completion of his military service, he attended Pennington Prep, which he always credited for getting him prepared for life and teaching him the subtleties of the world.

From Pennington, the University of Maryland beckoned and he would freely admit, not being the best of students, as a successful football career called to him. At Maryland, he played in the Cotton, Gator, and Sugar bowls, making friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Upon graduation, he had the opportunity to coach on both the professional and collegiate level. But despite numerous awards and accolades, his true love for the sport of football and the desire to teach led him to high school students and players. He relished the opportunity to mentor and guide the young lives and up to the days preceding his death, he enjoyed the telling of stories from "his boys," as if they were his own, whether they be from Palmyra or Cinnaminson High Schools. Generations of young people have been touched by his magnetic personality.

Beyond his professional calling was his love of the outdoors. As an avid fly-fishing "expert" and hunter, he relished his forays to Camel, PA with his posse of sons, sons-in-law, and like-minded friends, where his enthusiasm came alive always with a good glass of brandy and fine cigar.

But through it all, his great pride and source of happiness came from his children and grandchildren. Successful business men and women, attorneys, Ph.Ds., engineers, teachers, nurses, law enforcement and community service providers are sprinkled throughout his succeeding generations. As he became older, his stories turned into their stories as he took great pleasure in watching his legacy unfold. And through them, his light will continue to shine.

Sadly, missed by your biggest posse of them all.

Services for Tom will be held at a later date.