Former Lieutenant Chester William Hughes, Sr., 93, of Glendale, AZ, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2021. Chester, commonly known as “Chet”, was honored to serve the City of Trenton, NJ on the Police Department for 31 years prior to retiring to Arizona.
Born on May 4, 1927, in Trenton, NJ, he was third child to the late Captain Chester A. and Hannah K. Hughes of Trenton, NJ. Besides being preceded in death by his parents, he is also preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Carrie Zane Mason Hughes; his infant son, Matthew J.; his youngest son, Thomas B.; a great-grand-son, Boe Gracin; a son-in-law, Carey P. White; his sister Margaret Thomas and brothers Robert and William Hughes.
Chet is survived by his six living children; two daughters: Gail Doris Hughes White, Glendale, AZ and Jill Justine Hughes, Peoria, AZ; four sons: Chester William Hughes, Jr. (Kathy), Glendale, AZ; William Mason Hughes (Kelli), Peoria, AZ; Mark David Hughes (Beth), Glendale, AZ; and James Lincoln Hughes (Jennifer) of Phoenix, AZ. He is survived by his grandchildren: Kellie McGarry; Matthew White; Matthew Hughes; Lindsay LaPre' (Stephen); Chester W. Hughes III (Rachel); Rihana Smith; Timothy White; Mark P. Hughes (Carleigh); Jonathan Mason Hughes (Kelsey); Justin M. Hughes (Amber); Carrie Jimenez (Noel); Heather Sugar (Stephen); Cheyenne Sauls; Cierra Sauls and great grandchildren: Matthew Carter; John McGarry; Briana McGarry; Brylee LaPre'; Kaden Hartley; Harmony Hughes; Quinn Hughes; Charlotte Hughes; Rylee Hughes; Olivia Sims and Sarah Sugar. He also leaves behind two nieces and many wonderful friends.
He attended Trenton Central High School and proudly served in the Navy from 1945-1948. He became the librarian on the base and was honored as "Man of Port Hueneme” while stationed in CA.
Chet and Carrie were married on Nov. 22, 1952 and together they had 8 children. Their amazing love story began when Chet rescued Carrie while he was on duty as a Police Officer.
Acts of kindness was a way of life for Chet. Among his many accomplishments were also acts of kindness like starting the Jr. Police Force for troubled boys, becoming an honorary member of the SPCA for his many rescues of animals, and feeding homeless men while on his beat. He was the Treasurer for the Trenton Superior Officers Association, a member of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the Signal 22 Association, and most recently a member of the Retired Police & Firefighters, Mercer County, New Jersey Local #12.
Chet and Carrie moved to Arizona in 1983 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. While residing in Arizona, Chet worked as a security guard for a gated community, Las Palomas in Scottsdale, AZ. until he was 84 years old. It was there, a book was written on his life titled, “A Life Worth Reliving”. It was a memoir of his family and many stories of his life as a Policeman in Trenton, NJ.
Chet’s (Dad, Pop-Pop), life was centered around God and his family whom he loved unconditionally. He will forever be in our hearts and will be deeply missed as we cherish the time, we had with him. He was a member of the West Phoenix Baptist Church where his son, William Mason is the Pastor.
Arrangements for celebrating Chester’s life are planned to be held on January 16, 2021, under the direction of Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 15th, 6pm-9pm for anyone who would like to attend. The viewing on Saturday, January 16th at 1pm and the service at 2pm is invitation only due to limited restrictions. There will be a short graveside memorial service immediately following just outside the mausoleum. For details and to leave condolences, please visit dignitymemorial.com under his name.
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