Obituary of Donald P. McHugh

Donald P. McHugh, 81, of Cortland N.Y. passed away on Friday, February 21st under the care of Hospice in Ithaca N.Y. He was born December 11th, 1938 in Buffalo, N.Y. the son of Lennon McHugh and Margaret Buffum he moved to Cortland N.Y. in 1972. He attended Riverside High School in Buffalo, received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State College and His Masters Degree in Public Administration from Maxwell School at Syracuse University. He was a 4 year veteran of the US Navy serving on the USS Ticonderoga. He joined the Town of Tonawanda Police department in 1962, became University Police Chief at SUNY Cortland in 1972 and then Human Resource Director at SUNY Cortland. He helped develop the Criminal Justice Program at TC3 and was a professor in the program for many years. He retired from SUNY Cortland in 2000. He was a past president of the SUNY Public Safety Directors and a past president of SUNY Human Resource Association. Don was a long time member of the Cortland Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf with friends and family for many years. He was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan and attended many games. He was a lifelong member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Most of all he enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren where he created wonderful memories. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mickey, his children Dawn (Kurt) Daggs of Churchville, N.Y, Lisa (John) Rigge, of Camillus N.Y. and Staci McHugh of Syracuse N.Y. and his wonderful grandchildren Ryan and Lauren Daggs, Amanda and Sarah Rigge. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Rosalie) McHugh and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Ted McHugh and James McHugh and his sister Mary Mason. Calling hours will be from 4PM to &7 PM on Sunday, March 1st. at Wright Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 2nd at 11 AM at St. Margaret's Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer N.Y. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland N.Y. 13045 or St. Margaret's Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer., N.Y.