Marblehead Police Mourn Passing of Former Captain

Retired Marblehead Police Captain John (Jack) McHugh died in his sleep, peacefully and in his own home over the weekend, according to Marblehead police.

Few employees of today’s police force worked with or even knew Jack, but for those of us who did, we remember him fondly, both in and out of uniform, police officials stated.

Jack was one of Marblehead’s native sons and lived in town his whole life, growing up on Manataug Trail. After high school, he served with honor in the United States Navy.

After his service to our nation, Jack returned home and continued his service to others by joining the police department in 1958. He was a patrol officer, motorcycle officer and held several positions of rank and would ultimately retire as the departments Executive Officer, or second in command. Jack took over the job from Captain John Wheeler and upon his retirement in 1997 after roughly forty years in the police service, he turned the position over to then Det. Lt. Jim Carney.

Marblehead Captain Matthew Freeman recalled McHugh’s dry sense of humor, soft-spoken manner and patience in helping Freeman during the early years of his career as a new officer. “He was what you would expect a police officer to be and someone you aspired to become,” Freeman said.

In retirement, Jack could often be found exercising along Marblehead’s streets with his wife Bernadette with whom he shared more than 55 years. They would periodically stop into the station for a visit before continuing along on their walk.

Jack was proud of his son Bill who is the Salem Harbormaster and his daughter in law, Amy who is the town’s Water & Sewer Dept. Superintendent.

A wake will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home in Salem on Monday November 30th from 4-8pm and the funeral service will be held at Murphy Funeral Home on Tuesday December 1st at 10am. Family and friends are welcome.