Dr. John “Hugh” Malone passed away unexpectedly after a short illness Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022.
Hugh was an incredibly intelligent, humble, inquisitive, humorous and generous man. He was a beloved physician, father, grandfather, brother and mentor who impacted his family and community in countless ways. Hugh was born in Jasper County, Ga., and had many fond memories from his early years in Monticello, Ga. Hugh later moved to Charlotte with his parents and brother, Jim and attended Central High School. He was a member of the Davidson College’s Class of 1956, and subsequently attended Duke University School of Medicine.
While at Davidson, Hugh met the love of his life, Mitzi Louise Green, and they began their 65-year marriage together while Hugh was in medical school. After completing an Internal Medicine Residency and Hematology Fellowship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Hugh and Mitzi moved to Concord, where Hugh became one of the founding partners of Ardsley Medical Group. During his 30-year career practicing Internal Medicine in Concord, Hugh took care of thousands of grateful patients and greatly impacted the delivery of health care in Cabarrus County. He was a consummate professional and gentleman. Hugh’s long work days would often consist of hospital rounds, office clinic, nursing home rounds, and home visits to care for his patients. His clinical acumen was renowned and he endeared himself to his patients, nursing staff, and his fellow physicians. He was truly a one-of-a kind physician.
Hugh was more than just a great physician. He was brilliant, humble, kind, funny, tolerant, curious and open minded. Hugh was a true Renaissance man. He loved classical music, opera, dance, art, literature and history. He could often be found hiking, bird-watching, playing with his canine friends or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. In his retirement, he dedicated years to writing and researching his family’s ancestral history. He also carried on his contribution to the medical community through his involvement in continuing education programs for retired physicians in Cabarrus County. Hugh was relentless in his pursuit of knowledge, which he graciously shared with others. He was a selfless leader and served as the chief of the Medical Staff at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, president of the Board of Coltrane LIFE Center, and was a lifelong member of the Concord Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, John Hugh Malone Sr. and Mary Eugenia Lane Malone; and his wife of 65 years, Mitzi Louise Green Malone.
He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Arabella Malone-Trahey (Dr. Thomas F. Trahey); and son, Dr. John Green Malone (Nancy Hartsell Malone). He is also survived by his brother, James Isham Malone (Nancy Armstrong Malone); beloved grandchildren, Dr. Erin Trahey (Sean Bourelle), Tara Trahey (Dr. Chris Kennedy), Malcolm Malone and Olivia Malone; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His grandchildren all loved their “Papa” dearly. They will never forget his wisdom, advice, playfulness, favorite phrases and signature wave goodbye at the end of the driveway. Hugh’s encouragement of his family to be curious about the world around them, and to share love and kindness to others, is one of his many legacies. Hugh will be greatly missed by all those whom he impacted.
A funeral service for Hugh will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Hugh’s memory to WDAV Classical Music Radio; The Nature Conservancy; or the Music Program at First Presbyterian Church in Concord.