Phillip J. McHugh, loved his family, his Lord, and to engage anyone and everyone in conversation. Born Aug. 10, 1949, in Calhoun, Georgia, Phillip served his country, visited every one of its states with his wife and son, and was a friend to many. He passed away at the Carbondale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on February 23, 2023 after an extended illness.

Phil was the son of J.W. McHugh and Virginia Reece McHugh, husband to Victoria, and father to Brenton. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sisters, Bonnie and Dianne.

Phil had a big personality and an equally big heart, plus an unending curiosity about how things and people worked. During his 73 years, he was continually tinkering, reading, and taking courses. He learned through books and magazines, through his travels, and by talking (often at length) with people.

Phil served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He loved his country and continued to serve as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard in the 1980s.

He worked as a computer specialist at the Tobyhanna Army Depot for 30 years, a career that gave him the chance to continue his ties to the Army while working in a field that suited his inquisitiveness and love of gadgets.

He especially loved camping and to travel, exploring as many nooks and crannies of the country with Vicki and Brenton as they could get to. They roughed it in tents, added a few more comforts with their campers, and sometimes took cruises. One particularly special trip was a journey to Israel. All of it was an adventure and a chance for Phil to spend time with his family and to also meet more people.

Phil was an avid photographer who captured many stunning travel images and special family photos, and who for a time enjoyed processing his own film and printing his own photos.

When home in Clifford, Pennsylvania, Phil and his family were usually surrounded by animals. At any given time, they had ducks, geese, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats—sometimes all at once. He was a volunteer firefighter and also enjoyed gardening.

Phil's family will miss his big, sometimes mischievous, smile, his streak of independence, his sense of adventure, and his large presence.

A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Community Bible Church of Greenfield Township. Friends called from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment, Willow View Cemetery, Clifford, PA

Memorial gifts were made to Community Bible Church at P.O. Box 706, Clifford, PA, 18413; or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, PA.