Bill was born in Ilion, New York to Mary Jean and Earl Hughes. He moved to Maine in 1976 and received his master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in 1980. Bill worked for the State of Maine for 34 years beginning as a direct support professional at Pineland Center and ending his career as Program Manager for Intellectual Disabilities for the State of Maine. He then worked at PSL/STRIVE. Bill was very proud of his profession and learned a great deal from the people with disabilities he worked with and their families. He valued the friendships of fellow workers and took pride in supporting employees to reach their professional goals.
Bill had a passion for his faith and his family. His relationship with God was very important to him and supported him and his family through some difficult times. He loved his family very much. He married Lewanne in 1979. She was the love of his life and his best friend. They did everything together. He was so proud of her work as a pharmacist and couldn’t wait to tell people what she did for work. His pride for his two children knew no bounds: his daughter Katelyn and son Eric. He was so proud of the young woman Kate had become and of her husband Tom. He had such joy with the birth of his granddaughter, Emily Lewanne. Bill was so proud of his son Eric. He marveled at the spirit Eric has for life and his commitment for doing things the right way. They were a team working to achieve Eric’s Eagle Scout Award and later his business on Commercial Street – Eric’s Pizza Express.
Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his immediate family, his sister Mary Ann and family, and his stepfather Lon. He was very grateful for the love and care that Lon gave to his beloved Mom. He is also survived by his loving in-laws Bruce and Karen, Terry and Carolyn, and their children.
The family would like to thank all the medical professionals for their support, including Dr. Ervin, Dr. Howell, and Dr. Dugan.
A funeral mass will be held privately for the family. Donations may be sent to PSL Services/STRIVE, 28 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106 or at https://www.pslstrive.org/donate-to-strive.
