Pugh Family Charitable Giving Organization (PFCGO)

Our Story

The Pugh Family Charitable Giving Organization (PFCGO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established in 2023. The organization was inspired by the lives and legacies of the family patriarchs, George R. “Bob” Pugh and Peter “Pete” M. Hurd (father of Wendy Pugh), whose values, service, and generosity continue to guide its mission.

Honoring George R. “Bob” Pugh

Bob passed away in February 2022 at the age of 84 from Glioblastoma Multiforme, just 14 months after his diagnosis. Born and raised in Grafton, West Virginia, after graduating high school his family moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he worked alongside his father in a pottery factory. Newly married to his high school sweetheart, Rose, and raising two children, the couple moved their young and growing family to Washington, D.C., the “land of opportunity” in search of greater opportunity.

After a brief role at RCA as a television repairman, Bob joined Westinghouse and began what would become a lifelong career as an elevator mechanic. A proud card‑carrying member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), Bob worked in the trade for more than 40 years. Later in his career, he discovered his true passion—teaching. He taught advanced electronics courses in the evenings and provided free tutoring to countless aspiring mechanics, welcoming many into his home to help them prepare for their rigorous final exams.

Bob’s impact on his students, union brothers, and colleagues was profound. In recognition of his dedication and contributions to Local 10, the wing of the training facility where he taught for nearly a decade was renamed in his honor following his retirement.

Honoring Peter “Pete” M. Hurd

After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Pete passed away in December 2015 at the age of 79. Raised in Houlton, Maine, he married his high school sweetheart, Alma Jean, and began a family rooted in love and service. Pete earned a bachelor’s degree from Parks Air College in St. Louis, completed Officer Candidate School, and later earned an MBA from George Washington University.

He enjoyed a distinguished military career as a commissioned Electronic Warfare Officer on B‑52 bombers with the Strategic Air Command, flying covert missions during the Vietnam War. After completing his final Permanent Duty Station at the Pentagon, Pete retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force.

Following his military service, Pete continued supporting national defense as a consultant on highly classified projects for major defense contractors. He and Alma Jean later settled in Palo Alto, California, where he worked with the prestigious Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Eventually, Pete returned to Houlton to care for his mother as she battled Alzheimer’s—an act of devotion that reflected his lifelong commitment to family.

An avid ham radio operator, Pete built friendships with fellow “Hams” around the world. Never one to slow down, he founded the first-ever space program at The Houlton Christian Academy. He was beloved by his students and took immense pride in leading a project that ultimately hitched a ride to the International Space Station (ISS).

PFCGO’s Mission and Vision

To honor the legacies of these remarkable men, PFCGO’s initial priorities focus on raising funds to support the Glioblastoma Foundation’s efforts to advance treatment options for brain cancer, as well as supporting the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission to find a cure and provide resources for caregivers.

PFCGO’s long-term vision is simple: People helping People. The organization aims to expand its outreach to communities affected by natural disasters, address food insecurity, support individuals experiencing homelessness, and pursue other initiatives that improve lives—one person at a time.