Hughes H. Wagner

Hughes Heasley Wagner joined his wife, Carol Vaughan Wagner when he passed away on February 20th.

Hughes was born on March 23rd, 1942 in Springfield MA, son of the prominent minister of Trinity Methodist Church, H. Hughes Wagner & the beloved Justine I. Wagner.

He graduated from Classical High School and joined the Army where he won awards and accolades for his expert skills. A born musician Hughes was chosen to play in the Army band: while serving in Germany he played for John F. Kennedy during one of his most esteemed speeches of the cold war.

After serving his country Hughes put himself through college while working as a reporter for the Springfield newspaper, earning a bachelors degree in business from Western New England College.

Hughes married the love of his life, Carol Wagner, on September 14, 1968. They lived in Los Angeles, CA., Enfield, Ct. and Wilbraham MA before moving to Orleans in 1978 to build a life focused on their family surrounded by the water. Hughes worked for Nauset Marine for many years before following his dream to open a nautical gift shop with his wife in 1992.

Hughes was very involved in community service, playing a tremendous part in raising money for the Angel Fund and with The Shriners and The Masons. In his later years Hughes focused on local community fundraisers and outreach programs with the Councils on aging and Meals on Wheels.

Hughes was a proud member of the Freemasons for 50 years, serving as Worshipful Master along with many other officer positions and was an important part of founding the Nauset Light Lodge in Orleans.

Hughes leaves behind his three loving daughters: Christina V. Wagner, with Jason Vess, of Brewster, Debra J. Wagner of Yarmouthport, Jennifer Hughes Remie and her husband Matthew Remie of Centerville, four precious grandchildren: Orion H. M. Vess, Sawyer T. Vess, Schuyler C. Vess, Madison M. Remie and his beautiful sister, Mary Jo Manley of Ct. along with his beloved niece and nephews.

Hughes was a gifted musician, a song writer, a lover of the sea. He was a photographer, a history enthusiast, a businessman and a very proud Veteran. Hughes was a loyal friend with a brilliant sense of humor but at his heart he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather: family was his everything. Hughes triumphed over tremendous obstacles in his life and is a true inspiration. A man of such strength, commitment and such love, he is a man to be honored.

In lieu of flowers please show an act of kindness and compassion to another: be it generous in spirit, from your heart, humble and helpful to another. Let the legacy and the wake of his brave voyage wash over all with love and service.

A private burial will take place at the National Cemetery in Bourne at the end of March. There will also be a small service including a Masonic ceremony announced at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com