Michael McHugh

Life is a blessing, no matter our length of days. And if we are lucky, our days are filled with love and laughter, surrounded by a loving family. Such were the days of Michael Patrick McHugh. A man who gave his heart and soul to family, friends and his faith, Michael set an example of what it means to be “the best.”

The years from 1950 to 1959 were sometimes known as the “Fabulous Fifties”. Fabulous or not, perhaps one of the things which most characterized the 1950's was the strong element of conservatism that ran throughout much of society. One of the best indicators of the conservative frame of mind was the addition of the phrase "under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. For Michael F. and Agnes L. (Budenz) McHugh, life in Indianapolis was also quiet and conservative. But their lives were about to be changed forever. On July 5, 1953 a baby boy was born and came under the care of St. Elizabeth’s Home in Indianapolis. Michael and Agnes had been yearning for a child and their prayers were answered when baby Michael was placed in their arms. This small bundle of joy contained all their hopes and dreams for a child.

But Michael was not destined to be an only child. He became the oldest of 8 and the guardian and protector of Mary “Aggie”, Angela, James, Daniel “Louie”, Margee, Maureen, and Kathleen. His siblings worshipped their older brother. Big brother Michael was fun to be around and always had time to play. Football was a favorite, and if they were lucky, Michael would let them help him on his paper route as he delivered the Indianapolis Star or take his little sister to play in the puddles

With a large family to support, Michael’s father worked several jobs – as a sawmill operator, a beer truck driver, and as a court bailiff for Judge Charles Wiles. His hard work enabled young Michael to attend Catholic school, starting with St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Grade School. From there Michael went on to Cathedral High School, where he was a member of the tennis team, earning his varsity letter. He still had and cherished his first tennis racket, the old wooden kind. He graduated from Cathedral in 1971. Michael continued his education at IUPUI – Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, receiving his degree in Computer Sciences and Psychology.

Back when Michael was 14 years old, his father purchased a home on the south side of Indianapolis. One of the neighbors was a woman named Cookie Hayes. Cookie had children and often called on her younger sister Jeanne O’Connor to baby-sit. Michael and Jeanne met on one of Jeanne’s baby-sitting days and that was all it took. From that moment on, there was never anyone else in their lives. When they started dating, Michael would hitchhike to the north side of the city to see Jeanne, the love of his life. Their relationship continued all through high school and college, and on December 9, 1978, their hearts were forever joined. Father Ed Sorgel performed the wedding ceremony at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with a reception following at the Latvian Hall on West 64th Street. For Michael, this would always be the best day of his life. The newly weds honeymooned in Hawaii, and then returned to Indianapolis to start a family of their own. Michael and Jeanne always felt they were compatible because Michael was the oldest of 8 and Jeanne was the youngest of 9. As the years went by, they made sure to save time for just the two if them, so they would never forget why they fell in love.

Over the years, Michael became the proud and loving father of three beautiful sons, Christopher Michael, Kevin Francis, and Anthony Joseph. Michael was a hands-on father right from the beginning. He was very adept at feeding and changing diapers, and when each son was a baby, Michael often carried them around in his arms. A close bond between father and sons was nurtured over the years, a bond that was strengthened by Michael's direction to his boys. Michael always had time for family.

Michael had a strong work ethic, having started working at age 14 at the Fireside South Restaurant, where he worked all through high school. While in college he worked riding on a beer truck, much like his father, riding with Jack Pigg. After college, Michael put his computer skills to work in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, working with Jim Kelley and Steve Goldsmith. From there he moved on to the Anacomp Corporation as a computer programmer. Michael had his own business called D M Tech.

Faith had always been a big part of Michael’s life and he was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He coached many of their athletic teams and served as Athletic Director. For his dedication he was awarded the Msgr. Busald Award from his parish and the Catholic Youth Organization.

In spite of his busy schedule, Michael could always find time to have fun. He loved all sports – snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, and running in the “500” Mini Marathon held each year before the Indy 500 Race. Not afraid to help around the house, Michael also enjoyed cooking and grocery shopping. The year before they got married, Michael and Jeanne bought a boat nicked named The Crush, an outboard motor boat, a family treasure that, coupled with Michael’s patient teaching, enabled all the boys and many nieces and nephews to learn to water-ski.

On February 25, 2005, the life of Michael Patrick McHugh was celebrated at the McHugh Family Benefit, held at the North Side Knights of Columbus. Surrounded by hundreds of family and friends, Michael was honored for all that he was and had done for others. It was a truly uplifting experience and a wonderful reflection of life and family.

Michael Patrick McHugh of Indianapolis, passed away surrounded by family Wednesday, March 23, 2005, after a long, courageous battle with cancer at the age of 51. He has gone to be with his father, Michael F. McHugh. Michael is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Jeanne L (O’Connor) McHugh and his three beautiful sons, Christopher Michael, Kevin Francis, and Anthony Joseph. His family also includes his seven siblings, Mary ‘Aggie’ (Dave) Binkley, Angela (Chuck) Hert, James (Maureen) McHugh, Daniel ‘Louie’ (Lisa) McHugh, Margee McHugh, Maureen Barkley, and Kathleen (John) Threewits. He is also survived by his in-laws, Eileen (John) Christ, Katie (Mike) Murphy, Charleen ‘Cookie’ (Tim) Hayes, Mike (Sue) O’Connor, Tim O’Connor, Marilyn (Bob) Brothers, Jerry (Sally) O’Connor, and Danny (Janet) O’Connor. He is also survived by 64 nieces and nephews and 33 great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 5692 Central Ave., Monday, March 28, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at Leppert Life Story Funeral Home Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Sunday March 27, 2005, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Please visit Michael’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a personal memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to the McHugh Family Fund at Union Federal Bank, 6254 N. Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46220.