Still thinking of Gary Hughes. I'll meet somebody new or go someplace I haven't been before and I'll wonder: What would Hughes make of this?  Had a way of cutting through it all and nailing what it was all about in just a few words. Miss you. World is not the same.  - John Iannone

Gary,

Thinking of you. You were - you are -a one in a million. I still hear myself thinking: What would Gary have to say about that.

Miss you.

John Iannone

Gary Hughes was a one-of-a-kind human being and he was really, really good at it. Over the quarter century that I knew, worked with, and hung out with him I watched him go from equipment operator, to job Super, to boss, to president of Metro Environmental and through it all he was always Gary Hughes, just Gary Hughes. 

He taught me how we could have a practical blue-collar way of dealing with life and yet survive and thrive in a white-collar world. He could size up a person, place or a situation in a handful of words and he’d nail it every time.

The best, though, were the words he gave me to understand and deal with the useless parts of life that set your teeth on edge, everything from corporate in-fighting to family nonsense. He would just say: Way tougher than it needs to be. Says it all. Priceless.

And there was Liz. That was fun watching that big guy fall in love with the gal from accounting who usually harassed me twice a month to get my time sheets in on time. It was a hard fall. A clear case of what the heart wants, the heart wants.

He’s left us with a legacy of memories of a very cool, very human being. Sauerbraten at the Village Lanterne. The big brown bear that almost mauled us at a landfill in the middle of nowhere in New Jersey. A shared half a minute of terror.

I hate this. This hurts. Gary, I really miss you.

John Iannone


Gary and I shared the same interests. one of those was the love for the Ocean. We both enjoyed its serenity, nature and magnetism. We would swim and body surf for hours like two twelve year old's. We would just float past the breakers, share stories, get to know each other better. It was an escape for us from all the distractions in life. One day while bobbing in the waves waiting for a set, it happened. The unpredictable wave came in. Its the huge wave that breaks out further than where you are. We aggressively swim toward the wave so we do not get caught up in all its glory. The wave is building and getting stronger. We dive through with every ounce of strength we have, hoping to punch through to the other side. The wave seems to be relentless and  never ending. We both surface and feel the relief. We are laughing, high fiving  and full of  joy because we made it. It was at that moment I realized the ocean was our common bond. That the powerful and majestic wave would form a friendship of a lifetime.
 Everyone in life has a purpose. Everyone has the gift to teach and everyone has the ability to learn. Gary was a classy man, a charming man, a kind, gentle and soft spoken man. Being around him has taught me to be a better man. Even if I only took hold of one of his attributes, he made me a better person. Hopefully I will get to thank him someday. They say there is a heaven and we will all be together again. When the time comes I will be walking the streets of heaven, turn that corner and there will be Gary at the huge oyster bar in the sky. He will be smiling and waving me in. You all know the smile. Its the one that goes ear to ear, its the smile that enchants and captivates you. When he smiles you could do nothing else but smile back. I will miss my good friend. Until then God speed my brother.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.  Gary and I shared lots of fun memories
growing up in Cedar Grove.  Gary was one of the boys who to this day remained close since 
our High School Days.  Always a smile, a hand to help and sense of humor like no other!!!
You will be missed always.  Rest In Peace my friend❤️

I miss you my friend and brother.

I will very much miss spending time with you, especially celebrating the holidays and birthdays together. 

Great memories of us lying on the couch like two beached whales and watching football after gorging ourselves with turkey and my signature stuffing made especially for you each year. 

I will miss our talks and will always hold close to me the many great times and laughs that we shared.

Your cool, calm and kind grandness was so unique Gary Hughes, and that will stay with me forever. 

Carl


Gary was a one of a kind guy in the NYC environmental remediation business. He was a pleasure to work with and would always go out of his way to get the job done.  He was a real problem solver.  He was a great guy and friend and I will miss him dearly.  My condolences to his family. 
Jim Peronto, TRC

We were all so blessed to have known Gary. Such a sweet and kind soul with his soft spoken ways. Praying for Liz and the whole family to find comfort knowing Gary is at peace and will forever be in our hearts. 🙏🏻❤️

Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.

Sincere condolences to Liz and family members. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Sending prayers for strength and peace🙏🏻❤️

My Dearest Gary:

King of the one liners, you will be sorely missed by all.  Loved you.  My sincerest condolences to the entire family.  I only wish I got to know you better.  Love always, Frank.

OBITUARY

Gary J. Hughes

16 February, 1951 – 21 May, 2021

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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