Paul Hughes passed away all too soon on October 13, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 70. Born on March 16, 1955, in Gary, Indiana, Paul lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, deep devotion to his family, and an enduring sense of humor that never wavered—even in the face of adversity.
Beloved husband to Nancy Leoni and loving father to Abigail and Hannah Leoni-Hughes. Caring son to the late Paul Maurice and Bernadette (née Sheehan) Hughes, brother to Kathleen, Mark (Marisol), David (Denise), Maureen, and Christine Hughes, and Mary Elizabeth (John) Henson. Uncle and Great Uncle to too many to name here.
Raised in Flossmoor, Illinois, Paul graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1973 and then entered the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. A part-time job at the treasured local institution, Powell's Bookstore, turned into a 10-or- so-year stint working for the store, and resulted in Paul's acquiring his own legendary book collection. His love of books and a remarkable ability to absorb knowledge eventually led to other careers in the world of books. From book sales for independent tradebook publishers to book-buying for Follett BookStores to fact-checking in educational publishing for Pearson Education (later Savvas Learning Company). At age 60, Paul returned to academia, enrolling at Northeastern Illinois University to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in History. There he also worked at the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), and as a 30-year homeowner in Rogers Park, took a serious interest in the history of the neighborhood. Not many people could explain in detail, one of the first ordinances passed in the Village of Rogers Park in the 1870s. But Paul certainly could--rattling off a long list of weapons banned from taverns, which included brass knuckles, small pistols, blackjacks, Bowie knives, "slungshots," and others. Paul was always ready and willing to share the breadth and depth of his knowledge, and was admired for delivering that knowledge with wit and humor.
Paul was a truly wonderful father. One way he showed his affection was through thoughtful and diverse food preparation any time of day or night. He thought nothing of baking brownies at 11p.m. to be slipped into his daughters' school lunches the next morning. He catered to each daughter's specific food preferences, so no simple sandwiches or Oscar Mayer Lunchables would he prepare. Instead, foods such as paninis made with cheddar cheese, apple butter, Granny Smith (not McIntosh) apple slices and sage; sliced cucumber with fresh lime and chili powder; summer sausage with crackers and cashews would grace their lunchboxes. Paul was known for his gourmet meals, which he and his family lingered over during countless evening conversations. Paul's extensive knowledge and amazing memory led to discussions ranging from the Crusades (time to spread the world atlas out on the dining room table), to the development of the transcontinental railroad (a US road atlas will do) to tales of the Salem Witch Trials (Anyone need another serving of Midnight pasta?) and "Vampire Diaries." This evening ritual usually ran long and late, but for over three decades-even through the years of his illness-Paul cooked a delicious dinner nearly every night.
As a man of quiet strength and determination, Paul battled cancer for a number of years with courage and without complaint. He retired from Savvas Learning Company in January of 2025, and continued cancer treatment, choosing to enter experimental drug trials not only for his own potential longevity, but for the sake of the scientific community. The doctors and other medical staff at Kellogg Cancer Center and the University of Chicago Cancer Center were struck by his optimism. Paul's sense of humor rarely failed him. When asked how he was doing during the most difficult of times, would respond with wry humor, "Things could be worse."
Paul will be deeply missed, and those of us who were honored to enjoy his company will be forever grateful for the laughter we shared and for all we learned from him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Beloved husband to Nancy Leoni and loving father to Abigail and Hannah Leoni-Hughes. Caring son to the late Paul Maurice and Bernadette (née Sheehan) Hughes, brother to Kathleen, Mark (Marisol), David (Denise), Maureen, and Christine Hughes, and Mary Elizabeth (John) Henson. Uncle and Great Uncle to too many to name here.
Raised in Flossmoor, Illinois, Paul graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1973 and then entered the University of Chicago in Hyde Park. A part-time job at the treasured local institution, Powell's Bookstore, turned into a 10-or- so-year stint working for the store, and resulted in Paul's acquiring his own legendary book collection. His love of books and a remarkable ability to absorb knowledge eventually led to other careers in the world of books. From book sales for independent tradebook publishers to book-buying for Follett BookStores to fact-checking in educational publishing for Pearson Education (later Savvas Learning Company). At age 60, Paul returned to academia, enrolling at Northeastern Illinois University to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in History. There he also worked at the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), and as a 30-year homeowner in Rogers Park, took a serious interest in the history of the neighborhood. Not many people could explain in detail, one of the first ordinances passed in the Village of Rogers Park in the 1870s. But Paul certainly could--rattling off a long list of weapons banned from taverns, which included brass knuckles, small pistols, blackjacks, Bowie knives, "slungshots," and others. Paul was always ready and willing to share the breadth and depth of his knowledge, and was admired for delivering that knowledge with wit and humor.
Paul was a truly wonderful father. One way he showed his affection was through thoughtful and diverse food preparation any time of day or night. He thought nothing of baking brownies at 11p.m. to be slipped into his daughters' school lunches the next morning. He catered to each daughter's specific food preferences, so no simple sandwiches or Oscar Mayer Lunchables would he prepare. Instead, foods such as paninis made with cheddar cheese, apple butter, Granny Smith (not McIntosh) apple slices and sage; sliced cucumber with fresh lime and chili powder; summer sausage with crackers and cashews would grace their lunchboxes. Paul was known for his gourmet meals, which he and his family lingered over during countless evening conversations. Paul's extensive knowledge and amazing memory led to discussions ranging from the Crusades (time to spread the world atlas out on the dining room table), to the development of the transcontinental railroad (a US road atlas will do) to tales of the Salem Witch Trials (Anyone need another serving of Midnight pasta?) and "Vampire Diaries." This evening ritual usually ran long and late, but for over three decades-even through the years of his illness-Paul cooked a delicious dinner nearly every night.
As a man of quiet strength and determination, Paul battled cancer for a number of years with courage and without complaint. He retired from Savvas Learning Company in January of 2025, and continued cancer treatment, choosing to enter experimental drug trials not only for his own potential longevity, but for the sake of the scientific community. The doctors and other medical staff at Kellogg Cancer Center and the University of Chicago Cancer Center were struck by his optimism. Paul's sense of humor rarely failed him. When asked how he was doing during the most difficult of times, would respond with wry humor, "Things could be worse."
Paul will be deeply missed, and those of us who were honored to enjoy his company will be forever grateful for the laughter we shared and for all we learned from him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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