Hugh McFadden

 

Hugh  J. McFadden

Hugh J. "Irish" McFadden passed away February 8, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 29, 1934, in Philadelphia. He was in the United States Army from November 16, 1954 - December 7, 1956. Hugh loved doing crafts, and he and Kas went to many craft fairs displaying wooden Santa Clauses, pop guns and all kinds of Christmas, Easter and Halloween crafts. Hugh attended St. Paul Catholic Church, Leesburg.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife Kas, daughters Doreen Turner, Kathy Cameli, Terry Barner, Jeannie Boyd, Debbie Lyons, Denise Hughes, son David Lovett, 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
At his service in Pennsylvania, Hugh was eulogized by son-in-law Ben Turner, and, with permission from his family, we are printing the loving tribute here:
"My father in-law was born on November 29, 1934 to a large Irish Catholic family. He was the eldest son of 8 children and is fondly remembered as a very loving and generous brother who never fought with anyone.
After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School, Hughie joined the Army and proudly served his country.

Hughie and Kas met in 1949, but they didn’t have their first date until 1976. That was the year his best friend Eddie, Kas’ brother moved in with Kas and her seven children. Hughie decided to visit Eddie and as usual Kas was not at home. However, Eddie mentioned she worked at Strawbridge’s, so he decided to stop by the store to say, 'Hello'.

You can image his surprise when Katherine Windrim turned around and it was Kas’ 20 year old daughter, Kathy, not the woman he was searching for. Kathy remembered to tell her Mom that a man came to the store looking for her; unfortunately she couldn’t remember his name. Hughie was never one to give up easily, so when he finally caught up with Kas, they had that first date on Friday, August 13th. Exactly one year later, Hughie and Kas were married and he became a first-time husband, father and grandfather at the age of 42.
My father in-law was a hardworking and dedicated family man.  He loved his family and was deeply devoted to Kas, their children and grandchildren.  During their 35 year marriage, they did everything together from square dancing in Denmark and Russia, to clogging in the Mummer’s Parade.  Whether it was crafts, camping, or helping Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, they enjoyed life together with family and friends.

 

 

 

Hugh had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews. His great nieces and nephews thought that Uncle Hugh and Aunt Kas lived in Disney World as visiting them was part of their vacation. They always met at the park so there was a good chance they actually lived there with Mickey Mouse.
On my first visit to Pennsylvania and only the second time I had ever spoken to him, I asked for his permission to marry Doreen. With his arms crossed and smirk on his face, he leaned forward and asked, “Are you sure you want to do that?” The truth is becoming a part of this family was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Losing my father-in-law was one of the most difficult things our family has ever experienced.

He touched the lives of so many and I realize how fortunate we are to have known him. There are no words to express his influence in our lives. It is through his example that the family learned about determination, faith, and integrity.

Hughie was a man of many talents. He loved tending to his garden, feeding the chickens and was an avid pool player. While battling cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he still managed to shoot and win a few games of pool each week. He showed strength and love right up until his last days with us. His presence will be missed, but his spirit will forever live in our hearts."