A member of the Greatest Generation who valiantly defended our country has been called to rest.

Cornelius J. “Connie” McHugh Sr, 101, of Lehighton, passed away on Saturday, surrounded by his loving family in his home.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Roesch) McHugh, who died on March 5, 1998.

McHugh was one of the few remaining World War II veterans in Carbon County, something that hasn’t gone lost on Kevin “Spike” Long, commander of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization.

“I think unfortunately, we’re getting to witness the end of that generation,” Long said. “Hopefully we will never forget, and appreciate what that generation did for us and our freedoms.

“It was a hard-working generation; when that time of WWII arose, those guys put everything aside to go and do what they had to do,” Long said.

“Those that were fortunate to come back home and contribute to our society, that’s one thing we definitely appreciate that.”

Long elaborated on McHugh as a person.

“From what I know from the years I’ve known him, he’s always been a great guy, family man, the kind of guy as soon as you talk to him, he talks to you like a friend,” he said. “I always enjoyed his stories from the time when he was growing up, went away as a young man.”

Long said McHugh was well-known around these parts.

“He was almost a daily fixture to come down to the Legion and have his Christian Brothers Brandy,” he said. “It was just a cheery conversation; he just loved to talk to everybody, he was quick-witted and he’d always have a joke.”

Long said he can fondly recall an event he attended where McHugh left a lasting impression.

“Years ago, we were at a function at the legion and he was dancing a little bit; I couldn’t believe how light he was on his feet,” he said. “He was really a very unique individual; the first time you met Connie, you had a friend, just a great guy, family man, loved his family, always spoke highly of his family.”

Long said McHugh’s passing is a huge loss that will be felt by the legion for some time.

“He was just known by so many, he touched so many lives, anybody that ever had the opportunity to be in his presence,” he said. “He was an integral part of our legion family; we’re certainly going to miss his interaction, just to see him and talk to him.”

He played boccie at the Aqua Bella, a plot off 902 owned by five area families.

Larry Lisella was one of the players.

“Connie was always happy and brought many memories to Aqua Bella. But the thing I remember the most about him was the garlic that he grew. Was the best garlic ever. Only because he grew it with Connie love. Hence anything he made with it was the best,” Lisella posted on his obituary tribute.

Henry Desrosiers, president of the Carbon County Veterans Council, said he knew McHugh personally, and that he was a “proud marine.”

“He was actively involved throughout the county with regard to Veterans’ activities,” Desrosiers said. “He was a jovial guy, was very polite, very respectful of other veterans and others in general; he lived his life the way he wanted to, and I respected that 100%.”

Desrosiers said that World War II veterans such as McHugh are passing, and added the are a minority in the veterans population today because of their age.

“He will be greatly missed,” he said. “He was very active in the Marine Corps League and other veterans functions.”

McHugh’s grandson, Cornelius III or CJ, said his grandfather had a profound impact on him. “I never knew anyone else like him.”

Many people knew his grandfather throughout the community and they would often stop to make a kind remark, or comment on his humor and service. “He chose generosity and a life of service,” CJ said, who added that he was known for his one-liners.

McHugh lived with his late wife in her family homestead since 1944. There he worked in the garden, made wine and canned food. “He always had a huge garden,” CJ said, remembering the days of making sauerkraut.

Some of those talents were passed on to his grandson, who said in recent years the property understandably was more lawn than garden. One grapevine, decades old, remains on the property.

Born on Oct. 28, 1921, in Summit Hill, McHugh was the son of the late James McHugh and Clara (Young) McHugh.

During the Great Depression, he spent his teenage summers working on an onion farm in upstate New York. After graduating from Summit Hill High School in 1939, “Connie” served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in both New Mexico and Promised Land State Park.

In 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving on several islands in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Guam.

Following World War II, he worked as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel for 34 years.

In addition to the Legion, he was an active member of the Marine Corps League and the Toys for Tots program. He was also a member of the VFW, Disabled American Vets, Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, and Andreas Sporting Club.

Marta Gouger contributed to this report.