Rev. Fr. Hugh J. McGuigan O.S.F.S.

Father Hugh J. McGuigan, OSFS, pastor of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Fort Myers since 2004, died Nov. 24, 2024. He was 71. Known for his warm smile, humor, dancing, love for the Church and Her people, and of course for his passion for the Philadelphia Eagles, Father Hugh will be missed by the faithful at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community. He was born in Philadelphia, a son of the late Hugh A. and Jeanne M. (née Tomas) McGuigan the second of nine children. He is survived by his 7 siblings, Patrick (Judi), Maria, Michael (Linda), Kathleen, Dennis (Diana), Joseph, Jeanne (Chester) and Maureen. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and numerous other family members and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, John M. McGuigan. He began his college studies at Allentown College (now de Sales University), in Center Valley, Pennsylvania; De Sales School of Theology with Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; and Nova Southeastern University. Father McGuigan was a professed Oblate for 50 years, first as a Brother for 23 years, then as a priest since 1997. Before serving at Our Lady of Light, Father served at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, first as a Dean of Students and then from 2000 to 2003 as Principal. While he served at Bishop Verot, Father assisted at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, St. Cecilia Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, all in Fort Myers, and St. Ann Parish in Naples on weekends. He was assigned to Our Lady of Light as a Parochial Vicar in 2003 before his appointment as Pastor in 2004. While Pastor, Father McGuigan oversaw the construction of the Parish church which was completed in 2007. In addition, a Carilion bell tower was constructed in the plaza between the church and Parish Hall. Father McGuigan also took special care to minister to the students at nearby Florida Gulf Coast University inviting them to Mass, and also regularly celebrating Mass for the students in the student union. For the Diocese of Venice, Father McGuigan previously served on the College of Consultors as well as Religious Representative on the Presbyteral Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was the Chaplain for the Notre Dame Club of Southwest Florida. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday December 6, 2024 at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers. The Reception of the Body will take place at 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Parish. This will be followed by Evening Prayer and visitation from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will also take place 9-10:45 a.m., Friday Dec. 6. A Memorial Mass will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Parish, Elkton, Maryland. Burial will follow in the Oblate Cemetery in Childs, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fr. Hugh’s name to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Retirement Fund (Checks should be made to the Oblates) C/O Our Lady of Light Catholic Community or to the Fr. Hugh J. McGuigan Scholarship Fund at Bishop Verot Catholic High School at https://www.bvhs.org/. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father McGuigan and the consolation of his family. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Rev. Fr. Hugh J. McGuigan O.S.F.S.

January 11, 1953 - November 24, 2024