Van M. Hughes

1942 - 2025

Van Marlin Hughes, 83, of Harmar Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, after an extended illness. Van was born Sept. 2, 1942, in the Campton section of Natrona Heights, to Van M. and Eleanor E. Savage Hughes. He was a proud graduate of Har-Brack High School class of 1960 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California University in 1964 in the field of Industrial Arts, now Technology Education. Van retired from his 45-year career with the Pittsburgh Public Schools in 2008. His first 28 years were at David B. Oliver High School on the North Side, and his remaining years were at Schenley High School in Oakland. Van's love for his work is reflected in years of perfect attendance records, the hours and money he invested after school, on weekends, and throughout the summer to enhance his knowledge and skills, and his involvement with professional organizations to advance the profession. While teaching full-time, Van served as president of two state organizations: TEEAP, the Technology and Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania (formerly the Industrial Arts Association of PA), and the Association for Career and Technical Education (formerly the Pennsylvania Vocational Association). He also served as historian for Phi Delta Kappa, Chapter 14, University of Pittsburgh. Van was an active member of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, local 400, often serving as building representative and conference delegate. He continues his involvement through the PFT retiree chapter. Upon retirement, Van served as president of the Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, as well as the Region 12 Director of PASR, which encompassed both the Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh chapters. Van earned the Laureate Citation from Epsilon Pi Tau, an international honor society for professionals in technology, through his years of continual service. As a young man, Van joined the Pioneer Hose Company in Brackenridge. Here he developed his sense of service to the community and his appreciation of working with others toward a common goal. His years of service earned him recognition as a Life Member, of which he was proud. Van's positive attitude, forward thinking, and optimistic view of life were a perfect fit for organization work and the life of a teacher. His frequent refrain was, "Wow, what a great day this is." Van was a man of many and varied interests ranging from genealogy, gardening, hiking and camping, local history (specifically the PA Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad), science and technology, model trains, home improvements, and aviation. By far, one of his favorite activities was driving on road trips. Whether driving coast to coast, state to state, or the country roads of Pennsylvania, no trip was too far, and no weather was a problem. When his family would ask about a trip's destination, his answer would be, "I'll let you know when we get there." He found joy in the discovery of local points of interest and a good hometown restaurant. Van is survived by his loving wife and colleague of 53 years, Marjorie A. Eckman; two daughters, Vanessa Hughes Parkhill of Earlysville, VA, and Katherine "Katie" E. Hughes of Natrona Heights; two grandchildren, Elizabeth "BethAnn" Parkhill of Charlottesville, VA, and Lee Parkhill of Wendell, NC; and his beloved 102-year-old aunt, Lois "Aunt Doll" Boroto of Natrona Heights. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard Eckman (Elaine) of Severn, MD; sister-in-law, Susan Eckman Schillinger (Bill) of Millersville, MD; and cousins, Judy Boroto of Tucson, AZ, and Bonnie Boroto Maginn of Cottonwood, AZ. In addition to his parents, Van was predeceased by his first wife, Susan Slobodnik Hughes; son-in-law, Gary S. Parkhill; brother-in-law, Paul Eckman; cousins, Gregory and Fred Savage, and Kathy Boroto Harenski. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful teams from Dementia360 and Bridges Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Van's memory to Pioneer Hose Company, 124 Morgan St., Brackenridge, PA 15014, or a charity of the donor's choice. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, 727-224-8688. Interment will be private in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. Pioneer Hose Company will hold services in the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.