John J. Hughes

HUGHES John (Jack) J. Hughes, age 75, of Stratford, beloved partner of 38 years of Richard (Rick) Myers, died suddenly at his home on Thursday, June 14, 2012. Jack is also survived by one brother, Carroll Hughes and his wife, Jean, of Old Saybrook; one sister, Donna Schrieber and her husband, Charles; six nephews, Sean Hughes, CJ Hughes, Chris Hughes, Josh Hughes, Chuck Hughes and Jim Schreiber; and two nieces, Jessica Hughes and Beth Schreiber. He was born on May 15, 1937 in Bridgeport to the late John and Elizabeth Carroll Hughes. He was a lifelong Stratford resident and had attended Nichols Elementary School and graduated from Stratford High School. He furthered his education by attending and graduating from the University of Connecticut, Rutgers University, the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Academy and the Connecticut State Police Academy. Jack was a member of the United States Army under the Reserve Forces Act of 1955 attaining the rank of Warrant Officer. He was a police officer for the Town of Stratford and moved on to become a Connecticut State Trooper working at Troop F in Westbrook, Troop G in Westport and the State of Connecticut Fire Marshall's office as an inspector. After his career in law enforcement, Jack went on to become the construction manager for Neighborhood Housing Services of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust ,construction manager for New Britain Neighborhood Housing Services, director of facilities and property manager for the Milford Housing Authority and the director of facilities for the City of Norwalk. He also worked as a self-employed, licensed general contractor in both residential and commercial construction, working throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. Jack loved woodworking and was a woodcarver, carving many weathervanes and figural pieces. He collected folk art and antiques all his life and had a passion for gardening and landscaping. He was a member of the Remington Gun Club and would compete in the 12 and 16 gauge trap and skeet competitions at the Lordship site in Stratford. An avid dog lover from the time he was a child, he took in strays Nuby, Sandy, Henry, Max, Molly, Bo, Zeldah, Buddy and Chucky. He always said he never met a dog he didn't like. From his Mother, he inherited a generosity of spirit and Irish humor, a quick wit and a gift of gab. He could speak to anyone of any age on any subject. He loved socializing, dining out, cocktail hour and summers at the family home on Block Island. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 10:00 am DIRECTLY at Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Main Street, Stratford with Rev. Lee Forshaw, Deacon officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Jack had requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to the Stratford Animal Shelter, 225 Beacon Point Rd., Stratford, CT 06615.