Hugh B. McCormick Jr., MD, a renowned cardiologist and longtime resident of the Virginia Peninsula, died peacefully on December 15, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. Hugh was born May 3, 1941 in Boonton, New Jersey, and was the eldest son of Hugh B. and Anna M. McCormick. He graduated with honors from St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, N.J., and subsequently attended and graduated with honors from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., capping off eight years of Jesuit training. In 1967, upon graduating with honors from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry, he received the degree of Medical Doctor.

Hugh was commissioned as a Naval Officer and continued his medical training at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., where he completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology. He served two years as a physician in the Office of the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. He came to Virginia in 1974 as Chief of the Cardiovascular Division for the Department of Medicine at the National Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va. Hugh moved to Newport News in 1976, and together with Dr. Jack Horgan started what has become the Department of Cardiology for Riverside Regional Medical Center. Hugh practiced medicine as an interventional cardiologist in Newport News and the surrounding areas for the next 40 years. Hugh loved practicing medicine and faithfully, expertly, and compassionately cared for and treated thousands of patients throughout his decades-long career. Hugh worked hard, but he enjoyed life as well. He liked to travel, appreciated good food and fine wine, and was fond of telling his patients, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Nobody would describe Hugh as an avid outdoorsman, but he did love a good challenge, so he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, just to say he did. Hugh was an avid car enthusiast, and he relished everything about the Chesapeake Bay, where he could be found cruising aboard the Sinus Rhythm or simply enjoying a breathtaking York River sunset. Hugh is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sherry, with whom he created a blended family consisting of five children, eight grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Hugh is also survived by his brother, Albert E. McCormick and his wife Dorothea Jane. His children are Kelli McCormick-Bynum (Trey), Hugh B. McCormick III (Elizabeth), Jennifer Littlefield, Laurie Ciccone (Chris), and Richard Littlefield (Annetta). Hugh was especially proud of being blessed with eight grandchildren, all of whom still affectionately refer to him simply as “DA”–Virginia Bynum, Jack Bynum, Zachary Bynum, Christopher Ciccone, Erin Ciccone, Abby Littlefield, Josh Littlefield, and Emma Littlefield. Hugh is also survived by his faithful schnauzers, Tasha and Finn. The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding and compassionate care provided by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, who treated Hugh with the same level of care and compassion that he provided to all of his patients. A graveside service will be held at the Rosewell Memorial Gardens on Providence Road in Hayes, Va., on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of the Middle Peninsula, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060, the Riverside Foundation, 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, Va. 23606 or the charity of your choice.

Services are under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point, Va.