Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Hughes Obituary

Hughes, Michael Francis, age 79, was born into eternal life on April 27, 2020. Beloved husband of Madeline Kennelly Hughes for 59 years. Recent resident of Smith Village, Chicago. Resident of Oak Brook Club, Oak Brook, IL. Loving father of Peggy Hughes and Matthew Hughes (deceased). Fondly referred to as "Big Mike". Proud son of Cyril and Bernadette Hughes (deceased). Devoted brother of the late Ed (Dorothy), Rita Casarotto (Edmond deceased), Cy (Barb), Bernadette (Ralph deceased), Joseph (Maggie). Fond brother-in-law of Sr. Nancy Kennelly, IBVM, Daniel Kennelly (Joann) and Eugene Kennelly ((Lyn). Amazing uncle of 13 nieces and nephews. Numerous great nieces and nephews. Graduate of Mt. Carmel High School and attended the University of IL. Recipient of Honorary Doctoral Degree from Lewis University. Began career as electrical construction apprentice in 1960 and within the same year awarded Apprentice of the Year. Soon took on a position of VP with Premier Electric. In 1983 founded Huen Electric, Inc. with a phone, card table, chairs, used truck and a very devoted spouse, Madeline, by his side. Led Huen to become one of the five largest electrical contracting firms in Chicago area. Vision extended to establish offices in Syracuse, N.Y. and Columbus, N.J. Constructed such high profile Chicago projects including: Wrigley Field, Trump International Tower, Sears Corporate Headquarters, Cook County Hospital, Soldier Field, University of Chicago, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Chicago Speedway and various VA Hospital Projects. Being a community leader he served as: President of the Chicago Area Council Boy Scouts; Board member of ACE Tech Charter School, Board of Trustees Lewis University, Mt. Carmel High School President's Advisory Council; and Advisory Board of Misericordia. His generous heart supported many charities. Some of which are: Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Off the Street Club, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Covenant House and Mercy Ships. Mike could be seen as a merciful giver to others. Following Company functions distributed food to the homeless on Lower Wacker Drive and city soup kitchens as well as standing at busy intersections with his hardhat for Misericordia Candy Days. Never asking others to do more than he was committed to giving. His mission on earth was to reach out to those most in need. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a date to be announced. In the spirit of Mike's giving wishes donations may be sent to: Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (https://ibvm.us/) Office of Development, PO Box 508, Wheaton, IL 60187-0508

Off the Street Club (https://offthestreetclub.com/ ) 25 N Karlov Ave, Chicago, IL 60624

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hughes

Not sure what to say?





Michael Muellner

May 4, 2025

I can´t say enough of Mike Hughes and what he meant to so many people and what´s he generously did for them. The world today,more than ever needs more people like him. I miss him and think of him often.
He made a big difference in my life.

Ira Post

May 4, 2021

I worked with Michael for over 40 years. That was my privilege and benefit. Michael was a wonderful businessman who always had time for his many employees, be it a business or personal matter. However, in my many discussions with Michael, we always seemed to segue to his most important focus, the love of his life, Madeline. A wonderful, charitable and loving person. He is missed.

Grove of 35 Memorial Trees

Harry Dohman

Planted Trees

Michael I.Muellner

May 18, 2020

Mike Hughes will be dearly missed. His presence and generosity helped hundreds if not thousands. I was hired by Mike at Premier, and them again at Huen. I had known him for over 37 years and I thought the world of him. May god please him and his family.

James Harast

May 11, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ira Post

May 10, 2020

I worked with Mike for 45 years. Rarely have I experienced a more giving, professional, well liked and committed person. My very good fortune was being associated with Michael. His memory will be with me forever.

Robert DeRose

May 10, 2020

A true professional and gentleman. Lewis University was lucky to have him as a friend and Trustee.

Robert Szyman

May 10, 2020

Our Lady of Mount Carmel pray for Michael and his family.

Devine Therese

May 9, 2020

My Mother Katheen Mannix would like to send her condolences to Madeline

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Hughes's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Hughes

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Hughes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more