OBITUARY- John P. Hughes

John P. Hughes died in Concord on April 12, 2014 after a brief and sudden illness. He approached death with the same quiet strength and dignity he approached life. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Mary Hughes (McElhaney), daughter Amy Hughes of Waltham, daughter Emily Malloy (Nate), and grandchildren Jonathan and Naomi Malloy. He also leaves sisters Kathleen Murray and Patricia (Timothy) Hickey and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister Marie Lee and her husband Jack.

This city boy was born in Somerville on September 17, 1933, only son of Mary and Patrick Hughes, both originally of Ireland. Most of his young childhood was spent recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium. He reunited with his mother and 3 lovely sisters at age 13. The effects of his illness kept him from playing most of the sports he loved (though he stayed fit by walking and doing calisthenics, and loved to golf). But somehow it also gave him a fiercely positive, "chin up" attitude that continues to amaze his family and friends.

John graduated at the top of his Somerville High class of '52. He earned an accounting degree from Bentley College, even taking classes "from Mr. Bentley himself." With his rich Boston accent, sparkling blue eyes and striking profile, he was often mistaken for a Kennedy.

John was a man of consistency in a world of change. He used Noxzema face wash his entire life. He spent his entire 55-plus year career with Bergen Patterson, starting as an intern and finishing as CFO. He enjoyed his work as much as spending time with Barbara and his other co-workers.

In 1975, after years of being the fun uncle, John and his wife Mary started their life together in the "country" (Concord). He loved his home and land--and being a father. He loved sweeping and snow blowing the driveway, playing the stock market, spending time on the patio with Sam the dog, relaxing at the beach (under his umbrella), and visiting family and friends. His neighbors of 40 years were like family. He read widely and often. According to John, with so much to read in life, "How could anyone ever be bored?"

In later years, the rhythm of John and Mary's life was a mix of simple routines, good meals, travel, golf and time with loved ones. To those who knew him best, John's passing means the loss of an upbeat, witty, positive and happy man. He will be missed.

Arrangements under the care of DEE FUNERAL HOME OF CONCORD, Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Jr., Funeral Directors.

To share a remembrance in the online guest book, please visit www.deefuneralhome.com

Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, April 15th from 4 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at 10:00 AM, Holy Family Parish at St. Bernard's Church, Monument Square, Concord, Massachusetts 01742, United States.

Interment followed in the family burial plot in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.