Richard P. Hughes

Richard P. Hughes was born in Morningside and lived for 84 years with strength, wit, and a kindness so pure it cannot be described. He mastered the role of husband over 60 years of marriage to his match-made-in-heaven, Wanda. Imagine a word that is one million times more intense than “adoration” and that would only begin to describe Richard’s and Wanda’s mutual affection.

They settled in Harmarville and together they raised five children—Kelly, Richie, Cathy, Joey, and Nancy. Each child bolstered the bond between them. Richard guided his children with wisdom, laughter, and a fierce love. They are eternally grateful. Eleven grandchildren followed. He loved and nurtured them as only he could. He had special friendships with all his family members, including his lone surviving brother, Charles Hughes. 

Richard had a successful career in metallurgical quality assurance with Koppers. Through innovative applications of digital technology, he redefined his role and advanced his profession. He was a self-taught do-it-yourselfer with an unending curiosity for learning that spanned the spectrum from art and literature to home improvement. He admired Bach and single-handedly converted the family home into a castle. Richard refurbished a vintage juke box and often rattled the house playing loud 50s music with pulsing beats and heavy bass that energized all souls within earshot.

A gifted photographer, Richard had his family members and pets as his prized subjects. It’s rare to find a family photo with Richard in it.  But it’s all perfect.  Everyone knows he took the photos and that his chosen vantage point brought him greater joy. Richard had a natural fascination with trains—from model railroading to train excursions— that he shared with Wanda, his children, and grandchildren.

While Richard was a private person who never sought praise, those close to him knew the good deeds he did quietly when he thought no one was looking, from contributing to St. Jude’s to kissing his children on their heads each morning while (he thought) they were asleep.

Richard lived boldly, loved boundlessly, and left this world from its top. His selfless mission, complete: a happy family (with him at the end) and a joyful home. He succeeded more than he could ever have imagined. And now, having ascended to the heavens, this wonderful person named Richard Hughes lives on in the hearts he touched and in the smiles that radiate from cherished memories of him.

At Mr. Hughes request, services and interment were private for his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

www.jarviefuneralhome.com

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