Chad Patrick McHugh

Dr. Chad Patrick McHugh, son of Louis McHugh & Anne Gaydos, passed away 22 August 2021 in San Antonio, TX. Born 7 February 1952 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was raised in Texas, far removed from the family tradition of coal mining. Encouraged toward public service, Chad joined ROTC and completed a Bachelor of Science at Notre Dame. He then joined the Navy and proudly flew as Bombardier/Navigator in VA-196, "Main Battery", on the U.S.S. Enterprise. Chad was recognized for his marksmanship and participated in the now largely forgotten February 1977 air operations against African Dictator Idi Amin for the taking of American hostages. Ever the academic, he returned to school and earned a Master of Science at Texas A&M, a Master of Public Health at UC-Berkeley, and a Ph.D. of Entomology at UC-Davis. During those scholarly years, Chad fell in love with Dr. Sara Kerr.; together they became World Experts in research & prevention of Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease. In his free time, Chad enjoyed hunting, surf-casting, documenting family history, photography, and music. Chad is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dan McHugh. He is survived by his wife Dr. Sara Kerr, daughter Julia McHugh, son Conan McHugh, sister Kathy Kempf, and brother Tim McHugh. Chad’s gruff demeanor belied the love and pride he reserved for family and close friends. We will always carry his sharp wit, respect for nature, and belief in education close to our hearts.

Memorial contributions may be sent “In Memory of Chad McHugh” to the Coastal Conservation Association, 6919 Portwest Dr., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024, https://ccatexas.org/donate/