Dr. William F. Hughes, 94, was welcomed into Heaven on Thursday, September 10, 2020, where he was reunited with his loving wife of 62 years, Louise. A native of Bolivar, NY, Dr. Hughes was a longtime resident of Olean, NY where he and Louise raised their six children. More recently, he had been living in Slingerlands, NY and Cooperstown, NY in order to be closer to family.
Dr. Hughes served in the Navy during World War II and the Army in the Korean War.. After receiving his medical degree from Georgetown University, he began his 40 year career as a pediatrician in Olean.
Dr. Hughes was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was happiest when spending time with family, especially when playing card games with his grandchildren. He had a lifelong love of growing gladiolus, cheering on the Buffalo Bills and playing duplicate bridge with Louise as his partner. They were members of bridge clubs in the Olean area, New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Slingerlands.
He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. John's Church, Olean, NY, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister as well as volunteered in other parish ministries. Following his retirement, Dr. Hughes was an active member of Saint Vincent de Paul Society in addition to supporting other charitable organizations related to his Catholic faith.
Dr. Hughes will be greatly missed by all those fortunate to have known him. He will be remembered as a caring physician, generous and trustworthy friend, and devoted family man. Dr. Hughes is survived by his children, Dr. Kathleen McCarthy and her husband Joseph, Dr. Joseph Hughes and his wife Diana, Dr. Stephen Hughes and his wife Cindy, Mary Hughes Dirr, Jane Hughes, and William Hughes Jr. and his wife Kshama. He is also survived by his sixteen grandchildren for whom he always held a special place in his heart: Andrew, Kathryn, Stephanie, Emilee, Megan, Molly, Elizabeth, Peter, Lauren, Matthew, Monica, Marcus, Isabella, Julia, Tara and Nicholas, as well as four great-grandchildren: Lucas, Emmy, Mason and Parker.
A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in Dr. Hughes' name to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 441 North Union Street, Olean, NY.
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