Delbert M. Pugh, 88, of Derry, NH passed away Wednesday August 24, 2022, at Villa Crest Healthcare in Manchester, NH. Del was born on June 22 1934, in Medford, MA to John B. And Eveline I. Pugh. At the age of 5, the family moved to Derry NH. He had fond memories of living in Derry Village. At the age of 12, he was working to bring money into the household. Del was in the Pinkerton Academy 1953 class and was a lifelong resident of Derry.
In 1953, Del went into the Air Force, he was stationed at Reese AFB in Lubbock TX. In 1957, he returned Derry and went in to US Civil Service. He was stationed at Grenier, Hanscom, Westover and Pease Air Force bases, in the motor pool department.
Throughout his career in the Air Force, Reserves, and National Guard, he was able to travel to other countries: Spain, Portugal, Azores, etc. He met wonderful people from all over the world. There was a special couple he enjoyed seeing when he was at Pease, President H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush. Del along with other co -workers serviced Air Force One. First, the dogs came off the plane, then the First Lady and then the President. Del also felt the President had him promoted to Master Sargent. After his retirement from duty, he worked for the Derry School Dept. for 20 years.
He finally retired at the age of 80. He loved to talk about planes with his brother- in -law David or his former co-workers. He enjoyed the McDonald’s coffee group
He is survived by his daughter Susan of Derry, Brother-in-Law, David Barrett of Salisbury, MD and his former sister-in-law, Donna Arnold, also his nephews, David and Mark Barrett and Chris and Scott Pugh. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Sally (McGrath) Pugh in June, his brother Edward Pugh in 1982 and his sister, Marjorie Barrett in 2020.
My Dad was the best Dad. He was kind, humble and would give the shirt off his back.
He shared with me before he passed “That he lived 88 years and they were great years.” My parents would have celebrated their 63 years anniversary on Sept 5th. My dad passed on the 24th and my mom passed on June 24th. Now they are together. I love you and I will miss you both.
A graveside service will be held for both Delbert and Sally at Forest Hill cemetery of Derry, NH on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620 or at https://www.mds-foundation.org/