Francis Joseph McHugh

Francis Joseph McHugh, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, after various health issues. He was surrounded by loved ones at Lankenau Hospital.

Frank was born in May 1935, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to Edward Joseph McHugh and Anna (Evancho) McHugh. As a child, he was the youngest of four children (brother Edward, sisters Anne and Mary Ellen) and was an intelligent boy with creative interests. Having lost his father, an industrial arts teacher, in his youth, he learned to assist his Uncle John, who was an electrician, and gained jewelry-making skills by helping his Aunt Margaret during art activities with her friends. Frank attended Penn State University and majored in mechanical engineering. During college he supported himself by working in a sewing mill. After college, he began work at Martin Marietta in Baltimore, but soon found a job at Vertol Aircraft Corporation in Morton, Pennsylvania, helping design and test helicopters. Vertol was eventually bought out by Boeing to become the Boeing Vertol Company. He built a successful career at Boeing for over 30 years as an aeronautical engineer working on Chinook helicopters, and helped bring to realization the V-22 Osprey, and the LHX/Comanche advanced helicopter programs. He was known for his engineering expertise in aerodynamic design and testing, creating lasting professional and personal relationships with colleagues at Boeing, Sikorsky, Bell Helicopters, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and beyond. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and share innovative ideas across disciplines.

It was while working in the Philadelphia area that he met the love of his life, Rita Helen Simeone, after his sister Mary Ellen set them up on a blind date. Their love story began in South Philadelphia and grew into a marriage that spanned over 63 devoted years.

Frank spent his time outside of work as a devoted father and husband, wanting to share his love of travel and creativity with his children in big and small ways. He brought his family on trips to the Smokey Mountains, the Poconos, a cross-country camping trip, and a camping road trip in California, going from San Diego to San Francisco. Frank spent many hours over the years volunteering and mentoring through Indian Girls and Guides, as well as Scouting. He mentored many in the engineering field to help build the next generation’s leaders.  He was always ready to help people, neighbors and friends.  He loved spending time with his beloved Rita, his family, and friends in their Springfield, Delaware County, home – usually in the yard, or working on a project, or sharing some interest with others.

Following retirement, Frank embraced his creative side and made and sold jewelry at local craft shows, while also enjoying traveling with Rita and visiting their children and grand-daughter and other faraway places such as Italy, Hawaii and Ireland.

Frank was a committed and proud father to his four children: Patrick, Lisa, Eileen, and Timothy. He was also a loving grandfather to Caitlin Rose Ward, who brought him great joy. He was immensely proud of all of his family and brought love to everyone he met and everything he did.

Frank and Rita moved into an assisted living community at Wesley Enhanced Living and made many good friends there. He was able to transplant his fig tree to his new apartment and enjoy fresh seasonal figs. His devotion to his wife Rita continued and they renewed their marriage vows on their 60th anniversary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward, and sisters Anne and Mary Ellen. He leaves behind his wife, daughters, sons, and granddaughter.

Frank will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity of spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and community. His presence brought warmth to every room he entered, and his legacy of love and laughter will live on in all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be private. The family asks that donations be made in Frank’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Heart Association.