Obituaries

Louis Bernard Hughes, Jr., age 86, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024 in Little Silver, NJ. Born on August 29, 1938 to Louis and Sara Hughes in Elmira, NY, Lou was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carol, with whom he shared nearly seventy years of marriage. Together, Lou and Carol defied the odds and overcame all obstacles to build their lasting legacy: a family of five children, eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lou faced tragedy early in life when his father passed away, leaving him as the 14-year-old eldest of his three siblings. This loss set Lou on a path of resiliency and grit that would define him until his last days. With Carol by his side, Lou grew into a man of strength, both in body and spirit, never shying away from life's toughest challenges.

Lou’s journey was never one of shortcuts. He worked full-time while attending college, raising his young family alongside Carol and paying his way through Union College—a true testament to his perseverance. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping build the Northway Bridge that spans the Mohawk River. It became a family tradition to point out the bridge whenever his grandchildren crossed it, with prideful exclamations of, "Our Papa built that!"

Lou's professional journey began with his dream job at IBM, setting the stage for a fruitful career in technology and business that spanned five decades. He worked at renowned firms such as Solomon Brothers, Equitable and Sanders Associates, embodying the very essence of a dedicated company man. While excelling in business, he never lost his sense of right and wrong. He was unwavering in his integrity, choosing to do what was right even when it was neither financially nor politically advantageous. Lou put the "ethic" in "work ethic," and that legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

Ultimately, what people will remember most about Lou was his devotion to Carol. From Elmira to Schenectady to Delmar to Middletown to Fairfield, they defied the odds and got through all of life's ups and downs together. Most notably, when Carol was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a decade ago, Lou remained steadfast. He overcame big falls, broken bones, strokes and multiple bouts of cancer to be by his bride's side for as long as he could. Their love story remains an inspiration to all of us who were blessed to witness it.

A very special thank you to Lou’s caregivers over the last three years, Elly Gabunia and her family: Ana, Konstantine, Dachi, Bacho, and Dato, who have given Dad the most loving care imaginable.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, his children: Louis Scott and his wife Nancy, Randall and his wife Maria, Loren and her husband Robert Phillips, Kevin and his wife Linda and Courtney and her husband Willliam Walsh, his eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Norm and Fred and his sister Susie and countless nieces and nephews. Lou's legacy will continue through the lives of his family and friends who loved him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Rumson, New Jersey on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Louis B. Hughes, Jr. to Alzheimer’s Association; please visit alz.org.