Hugh Patrick McAdams, Jr.

Hugh Patrick McAdams, Jr. (also known as Mac) gently passed away after a brief illness on February 8, 2024 at the age of 87. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Patricia McAdams née Paterson, son William (Bill) McAdams, son Sean McAdams, and sister Rita Joan O’Neill. He is survived by his loving partner Phyillis Klein, his three children, Hugh McAdams III (wife Barbara), Joyce McAdams, and Patricia (Pam) Butkiewicz (husband Mark), his daughter-in-law Clare McAdams, his niece Rita O’Neill, and nephews Edward (EJ) and Michael O’Neill. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, who miss him dearly.

Born in Philadelphia, Hugh enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Basic Training at Bainbridge Naval Base in Port Deposit, Maryland. He served three years, and was able to attend Drexel University thanks to the GI Bill. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1962. He worked for Litton Special Devices where he rose from design engineer (earning 6 patents) to Director of Engineering, until his retirement in 2000. He continued to consult for another 10 years, because he got bored easily and enjoyed solving problems.

After his service to the Navy, he married Patricia Paterson. They lived in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania in a neighborhood with other young families. Life there was full of fun, good neighbors, and weekend camping trips that often included Hugh’s mother and his sister’s family. They especially enjoyed their yearly camping trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

In 1975 Hugh moved his family to Port Deposit, Maryland, to a farm he had admired while in Basic Training. Hugh and Pat immediately joined Good Shepherd Parish and became active in the church. He served on Parish Council, as well as teaching CCD and RCIA. His life was enriched by the church activities and the many friends he made there.

Hugh loved to host parties at his farm, inviting extended family and neighbors from Drexel Hill as well as members of his church community. He was especially fond of devising “projects” for young people to do that generally involved digging, moving things from one location to another, and getting very dirty. One of his favorite sayings was “How handy!” as young friends would arrive for what they thought would be fun times. They certainly earned the good meals Pat and her mother would cook when the work was done.

After retiring he enjoyed traveling to Naples, Florida and made numerous friends there. After Pat’s passing, he met a wonderful woman, Phyllis Klein. She put a sparkle back in his smile and brought much joy and comfort in recent years. His colorful ways of expressing himself, his made up words, and eloquent expressions will be missed by all who knew him.

Services for Hugh McAdams, Jr. will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Perryville, Maryland. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by Mass at 12 Noon. Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Port Deposit, MD. Those who wish to remember Hugh and share stories with the family are invited to attend a luncheon beginning at 1:30 at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hugh Patrick McAdams, Jr., please visit our floral store.