Obituary of John F. Dugan

John F. Dugan (1944-2021) passed away in his home at Hilton Head Island, SC on April 12, 2021 at the age of 76.  John is survived by his wife Jane Hoffman Dugan, children Christine (Young), John (Erin) and Skylar, stepdaughter Jessica, 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.  John is also survived by his brother Thomas P. Dugan (Mary Jane) and sister Judith Grace Wohlgemuth (Robert) along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

John, the son of Norbert P. And Dorothy M. Dugan, was born May 28, 1944 in Glen Ridge, NJ.  After graduation from Glen Ridge High School in 1962 and later the University of South Carolina and Montclair State University, John served for more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, at many world-wide locations including Vietnam, Thailand, the Pentagon, the United Kingdom, and Andrews Air Force Base, MD, where he was assigned to the 89th Military Airlift Wing, concluding his service to our country by transporting high-ranking elected and appointed US Government officials, up to and including George H.W. Bush, then the Vice President of the United States.  However, John often said that his favorite Air Force assignment was as an ROTC instructor at Auburn University, where he served as a mentor and teacher to future Air Force leaders.

Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1988, John relocated to Hilton Head Island, SC, where he began a second career in real estate, concluding with his association at Charter One Real Estate.  It seemed that every client ended up a friend.  He enjoyed years of great golf, fantastic weather, fancy sports cars, his many friends, and most importantly, his time with wife Jane and daughter Skylar. 

John will always be remembered for his booming tee shots, his lousy putts, a so-so short game, his laughter, humility, and his honesty and integrity.  He was a man’s man, whose word was his bond.  If you were John’s friend, you knew you were his friend for life.  He will truly be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 7 at 10 am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, SC.   His cremated remains will be interred at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Flowers and cards are welcome.  It is also John’s wish that any contributions be sent in his memory to the American Cancer Society and Crescent Hospice, Hilton Head Island, SC.