Robert Thomas "Sonny" McHugh, Jr, 68, of Sandy Hook died February 5 at St Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Waller McHugh. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Helen Gordon McHugh and Thomas Robert "Bam" McHugh.newtown-ambulance.org, or PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470.redgatehennessy.com.

Mr McHugh was a graduate of Lehigh University with a bachelor of arts degree international relations, received a master's degree in political science from the University of Bridgeport, and his teaching certificate from Fairfield University. He was an US Navy veteran, having served during Vietnam.

He was a tough but popular teacher at Newtown High School, teaching AP psychology. He retired in 2007.

Mr McHugh was talented softball player for many years with the Roosevelt Rhodes while in the Navy, playing up and down the East Coast, and also with the Newtown Pedagogues.

In addition to being a loving husband to Barbara, he was father to Jean Ann Stikkel (Adam Likness), Janis Stephenson (Charlie), and Cindy Tourtelot (Dan); brother to Jeffrey McHugh (Patricia); and "Uncle Sonny" to two nieces and a nephew. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, grandnieces, and other relatives survive Mr McHugh.

Funeral services with full military honors were privately held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association at

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