Contributions to the tribute of William T. Hughes

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Sunday, October 8, 2023

More than anyone I’ve ever known, Bill knew the meaning of friendship. I met Bill my first day of graduate school. What seemed like a random chance encounter was to go on and have a deep impact on my life. We became roommates in NYC as we went through graduate school together. As a result, I got to know Bill’s wife, Dolores and we shared many good times together. I will always look back on those days with great fondness. Over the years, we continued to be friends and eventually Bill asked me to join his company. I can truly say that Bill was the Michael Jordan of that firm. Like in graduate school, I worked closely with Bill and because of our shared history, it was easy to work together as a team. Later in life, as I began to lose my eyesight, I always knew that on the day of my dr. appointment, Bill would be texting me asking how I was making out and to give him a call later because he truly cared. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Dolores, Morgan, Robert, Emma and to Bill and Dolores’ extended families who I got to know well over the years. Bill’s family meant the world to him and provided great joy especially to see the accomplishments of his children. It is with the utmost gratitude that I look back on my life and call Bill my friend.

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James Nicholson posted a condolence

Thursday, October 5, 2023

With great sadness from Bill's family in Southern California. On behalf of Barbara (Midge) Taylor, Bill's sister and her daughter Lisa Guthrie and family, I am James Nicholson, Midge's son. We write to remember the Bill Hughes that we laughed with. Shared a beer with while talking history, sports and everything else. Oh yeah, running too. Time and distance never mattered. We always enjoyed our time together. We remember the trip the Hughes brothers made to California in 2003 for Mom's 60th birthday party. It was also the last time they were with oldest brother Gerald, who passed away later that year. Mom treasures her last visit to New York. Her last visit with Bill. Our condolence to Dolores, Morgan, Robert and Emma Barbara Taylor, The Nicholson and Guthrie Families

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Richard Laucella and family posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

I am filled with sadness hearing of the passing of my good friend Bill. First and foremost he was such a kind and caring human being, and the world is a little less bright with his passing. I have known Bill for a long time, we played basketball together at Walt Whitman HS for many years. Our battles on the court were many, I never understood how he could run tirelessly for so long and shoot from so far away? Whenever I had to cover Bill I truly did not look forward to it, he never stopped moving and was super competitive. He totally wore me out every night. As a friend he was such a great spirit, always looking to talk and catch-up, and a pleasure to be around. Our march madness pools were legendary, all of the basketball friends coming together at the Colony for good times and some friendly competition. Bill taught me a lot of what it meant to be a good man, he was everything that one could ask for in a friend. In my house he was known as Coach Bill. My son Chris had the pleasure of having Bill as his coach, when I told him of Bill's passing, he was visibly upset. Coach Bill meant a great deal to everyone that had the honor of calling him coach. I think the most important memory of Bill was his impact on all of those around him. He made everyone better, everyone happier, and never missed an opportunity to teach and help others. My son is a better man from Bill's mentoring, and for that I am eternally thankful. Rest well my friend ... until we meet again!!!

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Patrick whalen posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

I have been a friend of Bill for 51 years and worked with him for 38 years. There are so many positive traits he had that made him a great friend to many over the years. To me his determination to succeed in life,sports, and provide for his family never waned over the years. His PRIDE made him strive to have a great family and he was so proud of his kids during the sports years. The adults they turned into was so satisfying for him to share with me. You will be missed UZ

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Therese and Gary Nielsen posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Coach Bill was encouraging and kind to each kid on the many teams he coached. He required effort from everyone but also made sure that fun was had. We have nothing but fond memories of all the hours we spent on the side of the YMCA fields and thank Dolores and his three wonderful kids for sharing him with the community for all those years. Therese and Gary Nielsen (Greg and Maggie too)

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Robert Szilagy posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

I was sad to hear of the passing of my friend Bill. I have known Bill for about 30 years and first met him during a Basketball pickup game on Monday night at Walt Whitman High School. I remember having to guard him and figured this skinny guy should be no problem. he proceeded to hit a few 3-pointers so I knew I had to cover him a little closer. He then started running around and it was impossible to stay up with him for the whole game as he just tired you out. Bill then invited me to coach soccer at the YMCA with him and he took my son who was then 5 years old under his wing and gave him confidence always praising him and making him a much better player. This would also be the same confidence he gave my son and his son as we coached together in a Basketball League for a number of seasons. He gave this to all the kids on the team. Some of my favorite memories were of Bill running past my house or running on Greenlawn Road. I would see him as I was driving and begin to honk and him not knowing who it was he would turn around with a scowl on his face and raise his hand and give me the you know what. Then as I looked in my rear view mirror I could see he knew who it was and he was laughing. You are going to be dearly missed my friend as you made this town a much better place. Maybe in heaven you can finally dunk a Basketball. With Love, The Szilagy Family.

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Margaret Franko posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Though I shared many hours of practice and games on the soccer field with Bill Hughes there is not a lone memory that comes to mind. What I do recall about Bill are some very special qualities: his ability to share the best of himself with others – he was always giving positive support to our players, creating a joyful camaraderie in practice for both players and coaches while teaching important lessons; his passion for his family - very happily sharing loving memories of his and Delores’ early times together and the joy and pride he had when speaking of Morgan, Robert and Emma; his sense of humor – he always had a way of sharing a story or saying a one liner that brought smiles and laughter; and Bill's dedication to running - driving through town and turning the corner and there would be a very familiar figure on the roadside! Max, Mark, Elyse and I hope that Bill’s beautiful spirit and loving memories help ease the pain of his heartbreaking loss for you. We are so very sorry and send our deepest condolences. – Peg Franko

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Steve Rehm posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences and prayers for Bill, Delores and family. There was something magical about Bill. Our relationship spanned many years-playing basketball on Monday nights, and solving the world’s problems at the Colony Bar with our core of cronies! While it may not really matter in the long run, Bill was a fierce competitor and a fierce friend. And, in my humble opinion, he was the best shooter I have ever played with or seen…really. We drifted as my family moved to NJ a dozen years ago but I was sad to learn of his declining health.. I think we are planning a dinner to celebrate Bill’s life and spirit. I am adding Bill to my weekly prayer chain. Thoughts with you, Delores, and the whole family. Rest in peace in God’s love, Bill. You will be missed- Steve Rehm

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The family of William T. Hughes uploaded a photo

Monday, October 2, 2023

William T. Hughes

1953 - 2023

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