Albert "Big Al" Hughes

Born on November 7, 1943, in Denver, Colorado. He moved to South Bend, Indiana at a young age where he became a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Al moved to Arizona in 1951, where he built a life filled with hard work, passion for bull riding, love of country music, and joy.

Al was an exceptionally hard worker, having 3 jobs while in high school to help provide for his family. He rose to become the top salesperson with Patterson Dental, where he was employed for 47 years. He earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike for his reliability and his great sense of humor. It was the highlight of the week when Al stopped in for his weekly sales call. His professional achievements were a testament to his work ethic and ability to connect with others. Everywhere Al would go, he would make a new friend.

Al loved his family above everything. He took pride in coaching his son Warner in baseball and cheering on his daughter Heather in volleyball. The passion continued with proudly supporting his grandchildren in their sports.

Al loved spending time in the White Mountains. He would fish with his son Warner at the crack of dawn, when the fish were biting. He equally loved golfing with his wife Mary Jane, his daughter Heather, and his grandsons Tanner and Tyler.

Al is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Jane; his children, Warner (Richelle) and Heather (Joe); his 5 grandchildren, Tanner, Tyler, Rice, Grace, and Taryn who brought him immense pride and joy. Brother-in-laws; Gary (Joan) Kucko Ken (Trena) Kucko, Vinny (Becky) Kucko; and numerous close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rice and Lee Hughes.

A celebration of Big Al’s life will be held on September 19, 2025, at 10AM at Valley of the Sun Mortuary in Chandler located at 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler Az. 85248. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the White Mountain Humane Society (928) 368-5295 As he would say, “there never was a dog a Hughes didn’t like”.

Al’s legacy of hard work, his “Al-isms”, his love of family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.