Hugh Lindsay McComb

Hugh Lindsay McComb, age 96, passed away peacefully in the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Friday, January 10, 2020.  Born in Ballymoney, Ireland on December 15, 1923, he was the son of the late James J. and Ann J. (McAuley) McComb.  When he was just a few weeks old, Hugh’s family immigrated to the United States of America, settling in the small town of Walpole, Massachusetts.  Hugh graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1943, and quickly enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during World War II.  He was involved in the African, European, and Pacific Theaters of Operations.  Hugh was at D-Day on June 6, 1944, off the shore at Omaha Beach.  His company was responsible for the transport of equipment and military personnel for the landing. 

 

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Hugh returned to his hometown of Walpole, where he found work with Bird and Son in East Walpole.  He later enrolled in the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, where, as a two-season athlete, he was a member of the football and basketball teams.  Hugh went on to graduate with his business degree in 1951.

 

Just after completing his bachelor’s degree, Hugh married his loving wife, Natalie Kemp, on September 8, 1951 in the Union Congregational Church in East Walpole.  Together they made their home in Walpole and Hugh began working at the Foxboro Company and took courses at Bridgewater State College to earn his teaching certification.  Hugh took his first teaching position in the physical education department of the Norfolk County Agricultural High School, where he also served as the varsity baseball coach.  He took his second teaching job with the Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon, before settling into his career in the King Philip School System.  His career at King Philip began in the regional high school in Wrentham before he transitioned to the King Philip Middle School in Norfolk.  While working full-time, Hugh earned his master’s degree in education at Bridgewater State College.  He taught for many years at the middle school and also served as an assistant hockey coach before his retirement in 1985.  In addition to teaching and coaching, Hugh served as a MIAA Football Official for many years, officiating high school football games in Massachusetts.

 

Hugh’s teaching career allowed for his summers to remain free, which he took full advantage of, traveling to Raymond, Maine, where he and Natalie had a summer home on Sebago Lake.  As an avid handyman, Hugh regularly took on various projects around his homes in Walpole and Raymond.  He was a skilled carpenter, who had no problem taking on any project that came his way, including finishing the inside of his home in Maine. 

 

As a proud Navy Veteran, Hugh was a longtime member of the American Legion and the V.F.W. Posts in Walpole.  He was the former Chaplain of the V.F.W. and served with the Color Guard of the American Legion.

 

Hugh always had a special spot in his heart for animals and especially loved his dogs that he welcomed into his home over the years. 

 

Hugh will always be remembered as a part of the greatest generation, who valued hard work and was ready to volunteer whenever he was needed by his country, his students, or his family.  His famous quote will be fondly remembered by friends and family, “The first hundred are the hardest.”

 

Beloved husband of Natalie K. (Kemp) McComb.

Devoted son of the late James J. and Ann J. (McAuley) McComb.

Brother of the late James J. McComb, Jr., Harry A. McComb, Ann J. Quinn, and Thomas F. McComb.

Cherished uncle of Lola McComb of Washington, DC, LeAnn Tibets of Dedham, Kathleen Svenson of Derry, New Hampshire, Maureen Moran of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Richard McComb of Foxborough, Lawrence Parker of Dedham, and Thomas McComb, Jr. of Cumberland, Rhode Island.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Hugh’s Funeral Service which will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 12:45 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Medfield Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 271, Medfield, MA 02052 or at www.medfieldshelter.com.  Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.