President of the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association and Long Island Youth Swimming leader, Peter Hugo, passed away at 73 after a battle with prostate cancer.
The late Coach had proud athletic parents who were both speed skaters, and was designated to be in the World of Athletics at some point.
Hugo worked for 35 years in the Great Neck School District as a driver’s education and physical education teacher before becoming the district’s director of athletics, after securing his BA from SUNY Cortland.
During his decades-long career, Hugo built one of the most respected high school swimming programs on Long Island.
Extraordinary Mark on Swimming Fields
Under Hugo, Great Neck teams recorded numerous unbeaten runs, including a 49-0 victory, in which his son, Christopher, also participated. Interestingly, he was only allowed to call Peter ‘Coach,’ not ‘Dad,’ during the sessions.
Hugo retired from the School District in 2009, but he continued to officiate meets, organize competitions, and remain active in the swimming community.
His service in the sport at every level, including county, state, and national levels, is remarkable.
His achievements include the NISCA Outstanding Service Award and the Paragon Award, which he received in the early 2000s. He was also set to receive the organization’s Lifetime Member Award next year, which will be accepted on his behalf by his family.
Coach Hugo was also a longtime member of community organizations, including the Elks, the American Legion, and the Free Masons.
His contribution to swimming and education left a lasting impact on the Long Island Athletics, which is one of the many reasons tributes continue to pour in for him.
“Peter, may you now be at rest with your beloved Patty; heaven is waiting for both of you to come home to. You’re going to be missed,” said Barbara Vangas.
Another old friend/neighbour of Peter added, “Heartfelt condolences for Peter, we all grew up together in New Hyde Park. The Reichert Family.
“Both he and his wife were wonderful educators. I am grateful to have known them both. He truly wanted people to get better, and he dedicated a lot of time and effort beyond what many others would have done to attain that goal. He was a model educator and true gentleman,” added another user.
Hugo is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Daniel. The late coach will undoubtedly be cherished to meet his wife of 50 years, Patricia Hugo, again, who lost her life in September.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Peter Hugo loves New Hampshire’s Crystal Lake, where he spends time with friends and family.
- Coach Hugo was also a longtime member of numerous organizations, including the Elks, the American Legion, and the Free Masons.
- The Mass Funeral will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at St. Aloysius Church 592 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, New York at 10 AM.
