Aurelia "Rea" Hughes

Aurelia "Rea" Hughes, 92, of Farmingdale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Marlboro, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Corona, New York, Aurelia was raised in Flushing, NY, started her family there and eventually moved to Old Bridge, NJ where she raised her family and lived for 45 years.
Aurelia was born to Italian immigrants, married the love of her life, Jack, born to Irish immigrants. They embraced both cultures, but everyone would agree, the Italian cooking always won. There was never a meal that didn't include pasta, and no one ever went home hungry.
Aurelia was a loving wife, mother, grand-mother and Nana. She especially embraced her loving relationship with her grandchildren. They absolutely adored her. She was always there to offer a helping hand, as well as a report on the weather and traffic of the day. One of her favorite traditions was making rice balls the night before Thanksgiving with her granddaughters. She taught them all the little details and that tradition lives on today. There will be an empty chair and a hole in their hearts this year.
Aurelia will be missed by all who knew her. Whether you knew her for life or just met her, you immediately loved her.
Aurelia was predeceased by her beloved husband, John, in 1985; her daughter-in-law, Susan; and her brother-in-law, George. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Kevin and Joan Hughes of Pembroke Pines, Florida; Clifford and Kathy Hughes of Groveland, Florida; Donna and Dennis Murtha of Farmingdale, New Jersey; Christopher Hughes of Brick, New Jersey; and John and Suzanne Hughes of Parlin, New Jersey. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Josephine Hughes and Elena Smith (Frank), of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; nine grandchildren, Sean Hughes (Ana), Kristyn Hughes (Jon), Alexandra Murtha (Josh), Patrick Murtha (Julia), Griffin Murtha; Courtney Hughes (Tyler), Meghan Hughes (Dave); Cassidy Roma (Vinnie) and Debbie Palm (Keith); and eight great-grandchildren, Jax Hughes, Addison Hughes, Lorenzo Roma,and Leonardo Roma; Ryan Murtha; Brielle Pinto and Emmily and Kaitlyn Palm. She also leaves behind her dear nieces Theresa and Stefanie.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, New Jersey. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church in Farmingdale. Interment will follow at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. For directions or to share a message of condolence, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.