It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh A. Stoddart on July 6, 2023, at his home in Harvard. The cause of death was lung cancer.

Hugh was born on October 3, 1955 in Boston, MA, as the middle child of Marion Stoddart and Hugh F. Stoddart. Hugh grew up in Groton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Groton High School in 1973. From a young age, Hugh exhibited a remarkable curiosity and thirst for knowledge, which led him to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Knox College, Masters’ degree in Physics from WPI and a PhD in Physics from Brown University. At Brown University, Hugh met Piali De, a fellow physicist who became his wife of 36 years.

As a scientist Hugh worked in the field of electronics, optics and medical instrumentation. At Neurophysics, he worked alongside his father Hugh Sr. in developing a device for imaging brain function. In 2010, he co-founded Senscio Systems with his wife Piali, where they developed a novel artificial intelligence system to help manage care for those with chronic illnesses.

Anyone who knew Hugh as a family man, friend, physicist, musician, adventurist, knew a person who was brilliant and deeply grounded in the endless beauty of nature. Hugh’s adventurous spirit led the family to many faraway places where he would pursue his love of mountain climbing, scuba diving and nature photography. He was grateful for trips to places such as Tanzania, Egypt, India, Peru, the Galapagos, US National Parks, and the Allagash River. Closer to home, Hugh enjoyed hiking the hills in Harvard, particularly Pin Hill, which he climbed over 7500 times!

Sharing a walk with Hugh was an invitation to slow down, reflect more deeply, wonder, laugh and get centered. He possessed a gentle spirit and a warm smile that invited others to connect with their calm self. Although a visionary, constantly questioning and pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sharing his unusual instincts with whomever was interested, Hugh was known for his humility, kindness and empathy.

Hugh leaves behind his mother Marion, wife Piali, son Keiron Stoddart and his wife Julia Rabin, son Brenton Stoddart, siblings Heather Barros and Tom Stoddart, and mother-in-law Lehka De. He is also survived by his nephews Kipton Barros and Brett Barros, niece Cora Barros, and brothers-in-law Ricardo Barros and Kaushik De. He was predeceased by his father Hugh F. Stoddart.

Anyone wanting to honor Hugh’s memory could do so by making a contribution to Harvard Conservation Trust or spending quiet time in nature. A joyous celebration of Hugh’s life will be held at his home at 8 Mill Road, Harvard on April 13, 2024 at 2 pm (rain date April 14, 2 pm). Everyone is welcomed.

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