Mchugh, Robert F.

NEWTONVILLE - Robert F. McHugh, 88, of Newtonville, NY passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Born in Philadelphia in1934, the son of Arthur and Ruth McHugh, he lived for many years in Delmar and Albany before moving to Newtonville. Robert was educated in the Bethlehem public schools, then graduated from John Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in history. He received a Master’s in history from Harvard University and alsostudied at Harvard Law and, for a Ph.D.in history, at the University of Rochester. He taught in the history departments atthe State University of New York at Albany and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where his wife of nearly 47years, Catharine Dickie McHugh, who survives him, was his student in a seminar on the origins of totalitarianism. After his teaching career, Robert worked for many years for the State Education Department’s office of College and University Evaluation, retiring shortly before his eightieth birthday. For much of his time at State Ed he was an active member of the Public Employees Federation, serving as a steward.

Robert was an intrepid, intellectually curious traveler who felt tremendous satisfaction while planning the dozens of voyages around the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia on which he brought his wife, sons, relatives, and family friends. He never wanted to waste a minute of time on these excursions, packing in visits to churches, art museums, classical concerts, and the like from dawn till deep into the night. He and Catharine traveled frequentlywith the Siena Opera Club, attending performances at many of the celebrated opera houses of Europe. Late in his life he became an avid gardener, planting trees, shrubs, and flowers of various sorts - all purchasedat drastic price markdowns - throughout his property. He spent many contented hours tending to his horticultural domain.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons: Alexander D. McHugh of Beirut, Lebanon, who operatesa recycling company there,and Robert O. McHugh of Millbrook, NY, like his father a history teacher and committed unionist. He is also survived by his sister Mary Esther Haggerty and numerousnephews and nieces. His sister Virginia Beachand brother Arthur McHugh predeceased him.

Burial arrangements will be private. In accordance with his wishes, and in lieu of flowers, please keep your money and invest it prudently.