Gerald Francis McHugh

It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of Gerald F. McHugh of Venice, Florida, on August 20, 2023, at the age of 61. He passed away after a courageous battle with ALS, which he fought bravely and tirelessly. Born in Cambridge on July 29, 1962, and raised in Newton, he graduated from Newton North High School in 1980. Shortly after, he entered the IBEW Local 103 chapter as an apprentice and worked to become a master electrician. He took great pride in being a union man; his work allowed him to use his hands, live all over the country, and practice a trade that he truly loved. 

Throughout his illness, his partner and loving fiancée, Dawn LeBlanc, cared for him with steadfast loyalty. He adored retired life by the beach at their home in Venice with her and their dogs, Lala, and Luna. In his little slice of paradise, he found so much joy listening and dancing to his favorite 70’s and 80’s music, challenging anyone who thought they could beat him at golf or any other game, and spending time with his many friends. 

Life of the party, outstanding athlete, great storyteller, and expert jokester. His love for his family and friends was vaster than our great oceans. We will remember him always as the vibrant, full-of-life, mischief-making, fun, and incredibly strong family man that he was. He was never afraid to share his opinion and to stand up for his colleagues, family, and friends. 

Gerald is survived by his child Taylor McHugh, former partner Joelle Gourdeau, and her son and Taylor’s brother, Scott McClellan; loving and devoted fiancée, Dawn Le Blanc, and her two sons, Shayn Le Blanc and Ryan Le Blanc; mother, Shirley McHugh; predeceased by his father, John G. McHugh; Dawn’s father, Roy McLaughlin; Sister, Kathleen Lunny; Brothers, John McHugh (Lynn McHugh), William McHugh (Kristen McHugh), and Dennis McHugh (Laura McHugh); Dawn’s sisters, Sue Zeiner (William Zeiner), Wendy Bower (Tom Bower); favorite uncle to Caroline Nicole, Kaitlyn Marie, Bridget Nora, Courtney Brooke, Maggie Ann, William David, Shannon Rose, Timothy James, John Robert, Shane Patrick, Tait Zeiner, Cameron Boer, and Olivia Bower. Great friend to so many. 

His wake will be held at Robert J Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, August 30, from 3 to 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held the next day, on August 31, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton. The reception will follow at Ward 4, formerly known as “The AC.” The family invites flowers to be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to The ALS Association to be made in his honor. We encourage people to wear bright colors in celebration of his life, his vibrant spirit, and his colorful personality.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.