Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Dr. John Francis McHugh III

SHELBY–Dr. John Francis McHugh, III

Dr. John Francis McHugh III, age 77, of Shelby died Friday, April 29, 2011 at his home in the care of his family and cats.

Born September 3, 1933 the son of the late John Francis and Gertrude (Kettrey) McHugh, Dr. McHugh was a life-long Shelby resident.

After attending St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School, John graduated from Shelby High School in 1951 having earned all-Ohio recognition in track and field. John received his pre-medical training at John Carroll University in Cleveland and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 1954. He graduated from The Ohio State College of Medicine in 1958 and served a one-year rotating internship at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. John entered the United States Air Force in 1959 and spent two months at Wright Patterson AFB while taking an OB/GYN training course. He served in the 860th Medical Group (SAC) and was commissioned as a Captain before being sent to Dow AFB in Bangor, Maine where he served as chief of the OB/GYN department. His entire career in the Air Force was spent caring for women and babies which he said was a good thing because he never did figure out who he was supposed to salute. The only uniform he had was scrubs and the regular officers usually ignored the medical staff. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Shelby in August of 1961 to begin his family practice career. He shared an office with Dr. Robert Myers on Mansfield Avenue at the site of the present Subway. Dr. John Smith was already practicing in Shelby and approached John regarding building and sharing a medical office. The Auburn Medical Building was completed in February 1962. Dr. McHugh practiced at 110 Auburn Avenue until his retirement in January 2006. He served in many capacities on numerous committees while on staff at Shelby Med-Central Hospital. He also served as Health Commissioner for the city of Shelby in his early career as well as medical director of Shelby Home and Public Health, a position he held until his retirement. After his retirement, Dr. McHugh was inducted into the Shelby High School Hall of Distinction and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Mary’s School.

Survived by his wife of 32 years Mary Jo (Herlihy) McHugh who worked with him in his office for 30 years; their children: Catherine (James) Knapp of Englewood, FL; John Robert McHugh and his partner Dr. Timothy Pham of Los Angeles, CA; Ann (Don) Brinson of Ft. Myers, FL; Julie Persellin of San Antonio, TX; Michael (Liane Dean) of Ft. Myers, FL; Jessica Strouse Thomas of Atlanta, GA; and Erica Strouse (Scott) Straker of Louisville, KY. 16 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. John also leaves behind two sisters: Mary (McHugh) Randall of Dayton and Eileen (McHugh) Laux of Elyria; mother and father-in-law Edna (Hohler) & James F. Herlihy; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bob (Shelley) Herlihy, Tom (Margo) Herlihy, Dick Herlihy, and Carol (Steve) Moore; numerous nieces and nephews; his loyal office staff throughout his 45-year practice in Shelby: the late Virginia Apger, Harriette Landis, Susie (Carr) Clark, Cheri (Morgan) Blackman, Charlotte Grove, Mary E. Johnson, Jan Frazee, Vicki Champer, Madeline Frankl RN, Pat Kenny RN, Linda Vanasdale RN, Karen Rismiller LPN, Bobbie Payne RN, Linda Ritchie RN. He was especially comforted in the last few weeks and months by his personal and professional friend, Dr. Dan Kenny of New Washington and the many, many loyal patients who became like family and most certainly friends through the years. After retirement he always listened and dispensed advice from the grocery aisles, never failing to give reassurance and encouragement to former patients and families. Refusing to accept praise for his many years of service to the community, he would say, It’s my job.

Family and friends may call on Monday, May 2, 2011, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Private funeral services will be held for the family.
In gratitude for the compassionate comfort and professional care provided to many of Dr. McHugh’s patients and to himself, please consider a memorial expression to Shelby Home and Public Health or to Hospice of North Central Ohio. On-line condolences may be made to
penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Guest says:

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    Family: Dr. John McHugh
    Name: Tom and Judy korbas

    Date: 11-04-29

    Condolence:

    Our deepest sympathies to Mary Jo and all of Dr. John’s family.
    We were privileged to be among his many patients and friends for many years–right up to his retirement. As a teacher at St. Mary’s, I also had the privilege of working with some of his children. He will be fondly remembered in our prayers, and a memorial donation will be made in his honor. We thank God and you for sharing him with us for so many years.
    Sincerely,
    Thomas and Judith Korbas, Greenwood, Indiana
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    Family: Dr. John McHugh III
    Name: Beth Detillion

    Date: 11-04-29

    Condolence:

    To the family of Dr. McHugh:
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you, May God wrap his arms around you while you grieve in Dr. McHugh’s passing. Dr. McHugh was a great doctor and man in this community. He will be greatly missed.
    God Bless to all of you!
    Mike and Beth Detillion
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    Family: Dr. John McHugh
    Name: Deanna Ratliff
    Date: 11-04-29
    Time: 21:20:31 -0400

    Condolence:

    Mary Jo and family,
    We’re so sorry to hear of Dr McHugh’s passing. He honestly cared about his patients like they were his family. Shelby has lost a great, caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Greg, Deanna, Dustin, Derek and Dylan Ratliff
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    Family: John McHugh, M.D.
    Name: Karen Rieman (RN)
    Email: bkrieman1968@yahoo,com
    R1: On-line
    B1: Submit
    Date: 11-04-30
    Time: 07:47:46 -0400

    Condolence:

    Mary Jo, immediate & extended family of John McHugh,M.D.

    While working beside John in the medical arena, his bedside manner & personality indicated genuine care & concern towards so many individuals. During my early years in the nursing profession, I considered him a mentor.
    Your beloved John nolonger suffers. He shares eternal & everlasting life in heaven with our Lord.
    During this sorrowful time, God will wrap his mighty arms around each & everyone of with comfort. May your hearts & minds be filled with peace.
    In thoughts & prayer, Karen Rieman
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    Family: Dr. John McHugh
    Name: Barbara Parsons Fensch
    Date: 11-04-30
    Time: 14:27:52 -0400

    Condolence:

    Mary Jo, family and dear friends,

    I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was one of the nicest and caring men ever. I always enjoyed, Mary Jo, when you & John would come to Gambles Mill Inn & we would have great conversation. I pray the good Lord will comfort you and all your family during these hard times. Shelby has lost another great doctor as well as a great man. God bless you. Barbara

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    Family: Dr. John Mc Hugh Family
    Name: Bob, Sue, Jaimie, Jodie Brown
    Date: 11-04-30
    Time: 21:52:18 -0400

    Condolence:

    John treated me for measles, and for Bob’s car wrecks before going into our marriage and girls with us. We will always remember him as a very caring person as well as our doctor, always willing to listen. God be with the family in their grieving.

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    Family: John McHugh
    Name: Matt and Robin Smedley
    Date: 11-05-01
    Time: 09:27:12 -0400

    Condolence:

    Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Dr McHugh will always be a respected and caring doctor in the Shelby community. Prayers to the families during this difficult time. May God comfort your hearts. Sincerely, Matt and Robin Smedley and family

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    Family: John Mc Hugh
    Name: Phyllis Patton
    Date: 11-05-02
    Time: 19:45:42 -0400

    Condolence:

    Mary Jo Sorry to hear of Johns Death He was a excellent Dr. everyone will miss him you are in our thoughts and prayers Harold and Phyllis Patton

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    Family: Dr. John McHugh
    Name: Carol Yates Family
    Date: 11-05-02
    Time: 18:13:49 -0400

    Condolence:

    I moved to Ohio in 1973 with my three children. That is when Dr. McHugh became our family doctor. He always treated us with kindness and compassion. He will be greatly missed by us and countless others who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

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    Family: Dr McHugh
    Name: Linda Hicks
    Date: 11-05-02
    Time: 15:37:34 -0400

    Condolence:

    So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great doctor, without him I would not have my wonderful children. He will be missed dearly. My prayers are with you.

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    Family: Dr. McHugh
    Name: Faith Abbott and Family
    Date: 11-05-02
    Time: 09:39:16 -0400

    Condolence:

    Dr. McHugh will be missed by many!! He was our family physician for many years and had a wonderful sense of humor and great bedside manner!! Our sincere sympathies to all of you in the loss of a wonderful person!!

    Ian, Faith and Carson Abbott; Jill and Emily Eidt

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    Family: Dr. John McHugh
    Name: Larry and Mary Fike

    Date: 11-05-03

    Condolence:

    Mary Jo and Family,
    You have our sincerest condolences in John’s passing. He was not only appreciated by our family but by the entire community as well. Even though we who are left behind mourn as we shed our tears, there is great celebration in heaven… pink and blue streamers and balloons… at his arrival! Cherish the precious memories!
    Sincerely,
    Larry and Mary

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    Family: DR John Francis McHugh
    Name: Teri Dray

    Date: 11-05-04

    Condolence:

    So sorry to hear bout Dr John..he was our dr for many years matter fact he the one found and diagnoised my seizures and thyroid problem also my brother”s lymphoma.. He will be missed..never liked to go to the dr and my bp would sky rocket when i went in..but did like dr mchugh and he was so kind and took such good care of us all..RIP Dr Mchugh …and may god give his family comfort thru there grief.

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    Family: Dr. John F. McHugh
    Name: Stephanie Payne-Triplett

    Date: 11-05-04

    Condolence:

    To Mary Jo and family. Please except my sincere sympathy on the passing of John. And to you Dr. McHugh, Thank You for taking care of me and my family for all those years.You were an excellent Dr. and a wonderful caring humanitarian. My compliments to your Creator. God Bless You, and may You Rest In Heavenly Peace.

  2. John McHugh says:

    Thinking of you today Dad. I wish we could have spent more time together. You were a great man.

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