Donald Emmett McHugh

Donald Emmett McHugh, born August 4, 1933, in Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family.

Don married his beloved wife, Cynthia “Ann” Woodworth, in June of 1955. Together, they raised six children: Mark (Maria), Tim (Paula), Kathy (Keith), David, Lisa, and Kevin (Becky). He was the proud grandfather of Sarah, Michael (Erin), and Salih, and great-grandfather of Natalie, Connor, Sean, and Jack.

Don earned his undergraduate degree from Marquette University on an NROTC scholarship, followed by a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a PhD from Ohio State University. He served with distinction on active and reserve duty in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.

A respected executive and trusted mentor, Don built a reputation for integrity, clarity of thought, and a commitment to helping others succeed. After a career spanning over thirty years, first with General Motors and then with Owens Illinois, he retired as Head of Human Resources in 1992. Ann, however, suggested he might not be ready for retirement, and he returned to work as Dean of Continuing Education at the University of Toledo. Retirement from UT led to consulting work in management and leadership, and eventually to writing Golf and the Game of Leadership—a book that combined his passion for developing leaders and his late-in-life love of the game. It was published in four languages and hit the Amazon charts.

Don’s military service, professional pursuits, and travels with Ann led him across the globe, but the humility, faith, common sense, and work ethic instilled in him as a boy raised on a Wisconsin farm never left him. Above all, he was always happiest at home with everyone under one roof, where he excelled as “Dad”. Santa duty, swim meets, softball, football and baseball games, late-night essay revisions, career counseling, or difficult personal moments—he showed up for all of it. His love, humor, counsel, unwavering encouragement, and near-saintly patience—though “Jeepers Creepers!” from his booming baritone could occasionally be heard down the block—were his gift and example to us all.

Don was a lifelong photography enthusiast, and a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Green Bay Packers. He found great joy on or near the water—though, as he would tell you, “Not in it.” Around 5:30 or 6:00 each evening, you could find him sharing a carefully mixed Manhattan (very light on the vermouth, thank you) with his muse and one true love, his wife of 70 years, Ann.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania, on April 17, 2026, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Fisher House Foundation.

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