Dr. Carl Casimir Hug Jr.

Dr. Carl Casimir Hug, Jr., age 85, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022, after
waiting five long years to be reunited with his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn
Ann Hug. His five children, their families (12 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren),
many friends, and his beloved caregivers were constantly by his
side during his final months at an assisted living facility in Alpharetta, GA. During
those months, he had many ups and downs, but he kept his sense of humor until the
end.
Having accrued almost 60 years of experience in the fields of pharmacology and
anesthesiology education, Carl garnered an admirable reputation as a professor of
anesthesiology and pharmacology at the Emory University School of Medicine.
After his “retirement,” he was a senior faculty fellow at the Emory Center for
Ethics and Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology. In addition to his primary
professional appointments, Carl offered his expertise in other capacities including
serving as a visiting research professor at the University of Leiden in the
Netherlands. He held positions on the American Board of Anesthesiology (Director
1984-96, Vice-President 1990-92, President 1992-93), the Foundation for
Anesthesia Education and Research (Vice-President 1995-96, President 1998-
2001), and the Association of University Anesthesiologists (President 1984-86).
The American Society of Anesthesiologists awarded Carl their highest honor, the
Distinguished Service Award, in 2006. An expert in his field, Carl lectured on
clinical ethics, end-of-life care, opioid pharmacology and addiction, high-risk
treatments and therapeutic trials. He was internationally recognized in the
subspecialty of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and was a valued and cherished mentor
to many anesthesiologists in academic practice.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy, with summa cum laude honors,
from Duquesne University, and subsequently attended the University of Michigan,
from which he earned a PhD in pharmacology in 1963 and an MD in 1967. He was
a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and a fellow of the
American College of Anesthesiologists.
As a dedicated professional, Carl was most grateful for his late wife, Marilyn, who
supported and loved him while raising their five children (four of them were born
while he was in school). Family was his greatest joy. Dad, aka Papa, would drop
everything if one of his family members was in need or had a special occasion. He
and Marilyn were never happier or prouder as when they attended their family’s
weddings, graduations, dance recitals, baptisms, and other momentous occasions.
Carl was a devoted Catholic and member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
He attended mass every Sunday. In 1997, after his grandson was born prematurely
with a brain bleed, he began attending daily mass to thank God for his grandson’s
recovery. Even when he was weary and weak, he wanted to go to mass whenever
he could. His wonderful caregivers and visiting family would help him get to St.
Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta. He was a man of great faith who
completely trusted in the Lord.
Carl Hug lived a remarkable life in every way. While he was an accomplished man
in so many areas, he always remained humble and empathetic towards people. He
lived frugally but was extremely generous to charities, his church, and his family.
He volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and conducted ethics
consultations up until his health declined in November 2021. He always had a
story or joke to tell, loved great pranks, and appreciated self-deprecating humor.
He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Carl Hug’s well-lived life will begin with a family visitation at
10am and Mass at 11am on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at St. John Neumann
Catholic Church, 801 Tom Smith Road SW, Lilburn, Georgia 30047, (770) 923-
6633. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services
(https://support.crs.org or P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303).