Hugh William McGettigan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Hugh McGettigan, on Tuesday, December 24th, 2024, at Carbonear General Hospital.

He was born on February 10th, 1940, the second child of James and Mary “Molly” (nee Doran) McGettigan, in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Hugh leaves behind to mourn his wife Rosemary, son Ian (Miruna), daughter Mary Niamh (Conor), granddaughter Charlie, two younger brothers; Cyril (Berdina) and Dan (Gail), nieces and nephews: Donal, Danny, Peggy, Patti, Dale, Jill, Karyn and Danielle, as well as a large circle of friends, new and old. Hugh’s older brother, James, passed away peacefully just hours after Hugh, surrounded by family in British Columbia.

Hugh attended St. Bonaventure’s College in St. John’s. After his high school graduation, he attended All Hallow’s College in Dublin, Ireland. Upon returning to Newfoundland, he studied at the Marine Institute, as well as Memorial University. He had an extensive career as a teacher and taught in many schools across Newfoundland, Labrador, Alberta and Nunavut.

Hugh met Rosemary in 1982 while they were both teaching in Labrador and married in St. John’s in 1989. They enjoyed 35 happy years of marriage together.

Hughie was viewed by close friends as a “Renaissance man”. He was a talented carpenter and woodcarver. He built an extensive catalogue of handmade furniture that he gifted to friends and family over the years. Hughie was a lover of music. He had a beautiful singing voice and was a proud member of the Philharmonic Choir of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra for many years. He was an artist at heart and pursued many creative endeavours such as painting, writing, sewing, and cooking. Hughie was ahead of his time in many ways, but in the spirit of a true “Renaissance man”, never owned a cell phone, computer or even a watch.

Even though Hughie was born a “townie”, Harbour Main was home to him, with its great people and magnificent views that he cherished very much.

Family and friends are invited to Hughie’s home at 63 Harbour Dr., Harbour Main to share memories, refreshments and celebrate his life on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.