Sean Hughes

Sean Robert Hughes, 33, of Inman, SC, passed away on February 20, 2025, in New York, NY, due to complications following a second double lung transplant.

Born on April 23, 1991, in Rochester, NY, Sean lived with cystic fibrosis but never allowed it to define him. He maintained a fighting spirit throughout his life and faced every challenge with resilience. He graduated from Webster Schroeder High School in 2009 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration from SUNY Brockport. He pursued a career as a Project Manager at Good Directions Inc. of Danbury, CT.

Sean is survived by his beloved wife, Samantha; their three cherished dogs, Westen, Gus, and Cooper; his mother, Bernadette and stepfather, Stephen Ward, of Penfield, NY; his brothers Timothy (Becky) Hughes of Webster, NY; Brian Hughes of Rochester, NY; Kevin (Ashley) Hughes of Las Vegas, NV; his stepsister Holly (Todd) Murphy of Pittsburgh, PA; his in-laws William and Valerie Corteville of Marion, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, Timothy Hughes Sr., and his beloved dog, Noodles.

In 2014, Sean received a double lung transplant that gave him a renewed lease on life. Two years later, he married his longtime girlfriend, Samantha. Together they built a life filled with love and companionship. They later moved to South Carolina, where Sean continued working remotely for Good Directions. In 2021, when Sean faced kidney failure due to the effects of his antirejection medication, his brother Kevin selflessly donated one of his kidneys to him.

Other than sharing his life with Samantha, the greatest joys in Sean's life were his three dogs. He enjoyed wrestling and resting on the sofa with them, swimming together in the pool, and having them lie at his feet while he worked from home. A devoted husband, Sean enjoyed cooking and smoking meats for loved ones. He was passionate about fitness and had an endless repertoire of movie quotes that he loved to share.

Sean was an inspiration to many. He was an ambassador for The Make-A-Wish Foundation, being a speaker at several major events encouraging people to give to this organization that had granted him a wish at the age of 14. Sean was a devoted New York Jets fan and Make-A-Wish provided him with the opportunity to meet Curtis Martin and tour NYC. Curtis Martin had received a trophy for being "The Most Inspirational Jet" and he gave that trophy to Sean and inscribed on it, "Sean, always remember to inspire others." Make-A-Wish asked Sean to speak at several different venues sharing his wish experience and inspiring others to donate to The Make-A-Wish Foundation. One speech he gave was at the Make-A-Wish Eastern United States Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, NY where he received a standing ovation from the several hundred attendees. Sean also was involved in fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Golisano Children's Hospital.

Despite the challenges posed by transplant complications over the years, Sean fought courageously until the end. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of many, but especially in that of his wife, Samantha.

Memorial services will be held in Rochester, NY, on March 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Rochester Christian Reformed Church (2450 Atlantic Ave., Penfield NY 14526), and in Greenville, SC, on April 12, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Fellowship Greenville (3161 SC-14, Greenville SC 29615).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fellowship Greenville, Make-A-Wish Foundation, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The family encourages all to consider becoming organ donors.

Sean's legacy is one of courage, love, and inspiration. His memory will continue to live on through those who knew him and the countless lives he touched.