Harry Hughes, Former MD Governor, Dies at Age 92

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Harry Hughes, Maryland's 57th governor, has died at the age of 92. The two-term Democratic governor served from 1979 to 1987.

Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed the news of Hughes' passing in a statement Wednesday, saying all state flags will fly at half-staff until sunset of the day of interment.

"The First Lady and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Governor Harry Hughes, a longtime friend and Maryland legend whom I deeply admired. His dedication to our great state - as a distinguished member of the Maryland General Assembly and as our 57th governor - and his service to our nation as a member of the Navy Air Corps during World War II leave a legacy behind that will be forever remembered," Hogan said.

"Our most sincere prayers are with his two daughters, Ann and Elizabeth, his family, friends, and loved ones in this time of grieving. We will give him the celebration of life that he truly deserves."

Born in Easton on Nov. 13, 1926, Hughes went on to serve in the U.S. Navy Air Corps in World War II. When the war was over, he graduated from the University of Maryland and George Washington University School of Law. Hughes also played for a New York Yankees farm team in Easton for a year.

Before becoming governor, Hughes served in the House of Delegates (1955-1958) and the State Senate (1959-1966, 1967-1970). From 1970 to 1977, Hughes was the state's Secretary of Transportation.

Hughes also served as chairman of the Maryland Democratic Party in 1966 and 1994, as a member of the Maryland Board of Regents, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Board of Directors.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen praised Hughes for a life of service to his state and country. "He was a model of integrity and always fought for the public interest. As governor, he was a great champion for protecting our natural treasure, the Chesapeake Bay, and he remained passionately dedicated to that effort after he left office," Van Hollen said in a statement. "I fondly recall numerous conversations with Harry in recent years about continuing that important mission. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy is all around us through his many good works.”

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, said in a statement:“Governor Hughes’ life and career was a testament to his leadership, judgement, and commitment to making Maryland the best place to live, work, and conduct business. As a two-time former Maryland Democratic Party Chair, we especially honor his contributions to building our party and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)