William Paul Hugo was born on January 6, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to William and Carmen Hugo. The only son, William and his five sisters Ann, Alice, Ruth ,Connie and Esther grew up in a faith filled home.
After joining the New York City Fire Department, William worked in the dangerous Fort Apache area of the South Bronx, responding to numerous fires and displaying many acts of courage. In 1969, he received the Bella Stiefel Gold Medal for Bravery at the Mayor's Award Ceremony in Manhattan for risking his own life by crawling through a burning building to save a child and a puppy.
After his retirement and move to Florida, he selflessly rescued others from car accidents. An American Hero, William's greatest achievement was his faith in Jesus Christ. While William rescued many, he knew he too needed to be saved. Throughout his life, every opportunity he could share, it was important for him to tell others of the goodness of the Lord and share the free gift of salvation to all who would listen. His love of gospel music and strong faith carried him through till his very last days in rehab, where the nurses would love to hear him singing songs of praise!
William is survived by his wife Laura of 66 years, his sisters Esther and Connie, his sons William and daughter-in-law Marissa, son David, his daughter Tamra and son-in-law John, and his grandchildren Daniel, Caitlyn, Anthony, Michael and Jenna, as well as his nieces and nephews.
