Leroy Robert Hughes

On July 23, 2026, Leroy Robert (Roy) Hughes entered eternal life. He was born in the farming community of Goleta near Santa Barbara, California on April 30, 1927 to Minnie Doty Hughes and Willis Merwin Hughes. He was the fourth of five children. Growing up as a farm kid, Roy was active in 4-H and later in ROTC.

Nearing his 18th birthday, Roy enlisted in the Navy, following his three older brothers into World War II military service. After the Navy, he attended Cal Berkeley, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Ocean Beach to work for the Naval Electronics Laboratory (NEL). His job had him working for extended periods in Africa and Asia. In August of 1954, on his return from a six month stay overseas, he met the love of his life, Claire, who was working at the NEL Credit Union. 100 days later, Roy and Claire were married in Claire’s home town of Butte Montana on December 28, 1954. They had four sons.

Roy continued his career in communications and radar, leaving NEL as a co-founder of Smyth Research Associates and then moving on toTeledyne Micronetics, Global Analytics, and Alcoa Defense Systems. He retired in February 1989.

He became a Roman Catholic during his courtship with Claire, a faith that became central to his life. Roy had a very personal relationship with God and attended daily mass for many years. He devoted time and effort in improving the spiritual, physical and emotional lives of people, locally and around the world. Roy was active with International Relief Teams, Kairos prison ministry, Whispering Winds Catholic Camp and Conference Center, Cursillos in Christianity, and Servos Connecting for Peace. He was also active in their parishes of Saint Patrick's Parish in North Park, and the Immaculata Parish and Founder’s Chapel on the campus of the University of San Diego.

He was a loving and devoted husband to Claire for the 62 years of their marriage until she passed away in 2017. Roy & Claire traveled widely, particularly after he retired. They also shared a passion for learning, frequently attending USD’s University of the Third Age.

Sailing was another of Roy’s interests. He starting sailing with friends at NEL in the early 1950s and was fond of racing in everything from an 8 foot sabot in Mission Bay to 30 foot sailboats off Point Loma. He also was crew on races including the Ensenada Boat Race.

Roy was thoughtful, calm, and not particularly verbose. He was an intensely loyal friend; maintaining friendships since his early school days. He met weekly with his prayer group for more than 40 years. He was also an engaged and loving father to his sons and their spouses.

Roy is survived by sons Michael (Lou Ann) of Pasco, WA, Kevin (Pisey) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Daniel (Angela) of Fairbanks, AK, daughter-in-law Irene Magallanez of San Diego, grandson Cameron, and granddaughters Audrey and Jasmine, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Claire, son Paul (Irene), brothers Elmer, Walt, and George, and sister Ruth.

A funeral mass has been scheduled at the Immaculata, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110, at 11:00 AM on Thursday August 6. A viewing and a rosary in the same location have been scheduled for 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM respectively, on Wednesday August 5. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests a donation to Whispering Winds (WhisperingWinds.org)

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.