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Donald Hughes Obituary
He began his career in car sales, which spanned over 40 years, in the summer of 1964 at then Wilson-Russell Ford. In 1974, he opened Hughes Lincoln Mercury, which he owned for five years before selling the business. Since that time, Don worked for Wilson-Cornelius Ford and Bill Lang Pontiac-Cadillac-Mazda.
Don was a member of both the Vallejo Elks and Moose lodges and was involved with the Vallejo and Napa Chambers of Commerce. He was named Vallejo's Man of the Year in 1974.
Don was an avid San Francisco Forty-Niner fan and season ticket holder since 1965. He loved good wine, but enjoyed it more when sharing it with his family and friends. He will always be remembered as very devoted to his family by wife Sharon of 40 years; his daughter Wendy (David) Barnard of Walnut Creek; his niece, Dennice (Bob) Hartkop of Suisun; his granddaughter Bailey and grandson Cole; and his three grandnieces, Melissa, Samantha and Jessica Hartkop.
A celebration of Don's life is being held 11 a.m. Sunday at Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo with a reception to immediately follow at the Vallejo Elk's Lodge. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests donations be made either to the American Heart Association, or in honor of Samantha and Jessica Hartkop to the United Cerebral Palsy.
Arrangements are under the direction of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Hughes
Nick Salazar
February 7, 2021
Don was my first boss at Hughes Lincoln Mercury back in 1977.I was 16 years old. He gave me my first job washing all of the cars. I will always remember you Don . From your friend Nicky
Judy (Ilusorio) Lamb
April 3, 2006
Dear Sharon and Family,
Don and I graduated the same year. I was on the reunion committee a couple of years with Don and others. He was truly a kind and caring person who always made me feel welcome.
Prayers are being said for you and the family for comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tim Jackson
March 29, 2006
Met Don in Jaycees. We moved to Fairfield where I became President at the same time Don was President in Vallejo. He was always available to assist with great new ideas.
Sharon, Patty and I are thinking of you and hope to see you again soon.
Carrie Jackson Matsuo
March 28, 2006
Thinking of you and sharing memories of you all...
Randy Backovich
March 23, 2006
Dear Sharon and family
I will light a candle and say a prayer for you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss, Don was such a great man, he will be missed dearly
Carol J. Bettencourt
March 20, 2006
Dearest Sharon and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy...I was shocked to learn of Don's early death. We have been friends since junior high school. A wonderful, kind and fun loving person with much integrity...He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you and your family...
Jeannie Splitt-Simpson
March 19, 2006
Dear Sharon and Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about Don. He was a dear friend and we all have shared many fun and memorable times together. I will always remember his positive and upbeat love of life. To know him is to love him. He will always hold a special place in all of our lives. Take care and remember you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers always....
Nita Hantke
March 15, 2006
Dearest Sharon, Wendy and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Don's passing. He was the kindest and most sincere man I have ever known. I worked with him at Bill Lang for 8 years and he always put a smile on my face. He had to be an angel on earth with how he influenced and taught by example on how to be a great family man and friend. I will still continue to think of him with a smile. Thank you Sharon for sharing Don and making the world a better place because he was here and touched so many lives. God's Blessings be with your family through this loss.
mara Rigel
March 14, 2006
Dennice, So sorry to hear about your Uncle Don...and also that we've been out of touch for so long. I remember Don as a very kind
man, and I know how much you loved him. My condolences to your Aunt Sharon and Wendy as well.
Mara Leach Rigel
David Barnard
March 14, 2006
Sharon, Wendy, Dennice & I thank you for the love, sympathy, support & kindness.
Frank Arellano
March 14, 2006
I met Don when we were both in junior high school. Don at Hogan and I attended Franklin Junior High. Upon our meeting we became instant friends that lasted through high school and beyond.
In high school we played football together, served on Student Council, were members of the Key Club and double dated quite often. Don got me a job where he worked and in the summer time and school vacations we pumped gas together.
Paging through the comments written by others that knew Don, it's wonderful to know he hadn't changed at all over the years. I can only echo the words and thoughts already stated, Don was a wonderful person, and someone who will not be forgotten.
I would like to extend my sympathy to the Hughes family and know that I celebrate the memory of my old friend, Don.
Rod & Nora Boschee
March 14, 2006
It was very sad to hear of Don's passing. One of our last conversations with Don was highlighted with stories of his grandchild (another one was on the way-). We, of course, had stories of ours. We all agreed this grandparent "gig" was a blast!
Our sympathy goes out to Sharon, Wendy, and the rest of his family. We know you will have such a hole in your lives. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Nora & Rod Boschee
Kay (Hewitt) Bunn
March 13, 2006
Sharon and Wendy,
I just wanted to send my deepest sympathies to you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kay
Julie Marenzi-Wise
March 13, 2006
Dear Sharon, Wendy and Denise:
Loyalty, kindness, generosity, humor..."the best"...; these are only a few of the words that come to my mind as I remember and think of Don. As important as those traits are, I know Don will want us to remember first and foremost that he loved his family. He always spoke of you and the grandchildren first. We loved him and will miss him. My heart goes out to you and the Vallejo area community at this terrible time of loss. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair. I am so sorry.
Julie Marenzi Wise
Carolyn Hartung (Roberts)
March 13, 2006
Dear Sharon: I went to high school with Don. I also got to know him through our mutual friend, Wally Joseph, later in life. Don was one of the most popular kids in high school. He was everyone's friend. I know he will be greatly missed by so many.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
George & Danielle Guevara
March 13, 2006
Don was one of the kindest and most thoughtful men we have had the pleasure of knowing. He never judged and always provided an opportunity for you to show him who you really were. He always gave good advice and if he did not have the answer, he would say so. Don was my mentor as well as my good friend. We love him and will miss him terribly.
George and Danielle Guevara
Terry Grigg
March 13, 2006
Dear Sharon,
My hearfelt sympathy to you and your family in your loss of Don. He was an very special man and will be greatly missed. I pray that the wonderful memories of him will soften the hurt as time passes.
God Bless......
Sue (Dillon) Hess
March 13, 2006
Sharon and Family,
Kay told me about Don's passing. We were friends in High School and I remember him fondly. My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Sue
Keith & Christina Johnson
March 12, 2006
Sharon & Windy
I feel blessed having had the opportunity to know and work with Don.
He was a comrade and friend at work and the voice of encouragement in times of frustration. The service was a wonderful closing for me. Don was a true celebration in my life in the few years that I knew him.
Don you will be thought of every time I raise a wine glass. Cheers!
Yours truly, Keith A Johnson
Neil and Nancy Lantz
March 12, 2006
I had the privilege of working for Don at three different dealerships including Hughes Lincoln Mercury. He was a great mentor, friend,and automobileman.I learned alot about business and life from "Capt." Hughes. Don had a quick wit and a lust for life. He leaves a wonderful family. Nancy and I will never forget our great evenings out with Don & Sharon. It's a sad time for the family & many friends of this SPECIAL man.May God Bless Don.
Ken & Lisa Sarna
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon,
The entire Sarna Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Don. You and your family will always be in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. We love you and offer you are sincerest condolences.
Charlie & Sandy Grant
March 12, 2006
Sharon, Wendy & family,
We were saddened to hear the news. Don was a good friend to one and all. We have been talking to each other about all the good times we had with you both during the past week. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you all.
Cameo Langland
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon and Family:
Don was precious to us at Bill Lang as he was to everyone. He will be missed tremendously.
Love and prayers to you and your.
Bill & Rochelle Wilson
March 12, 2006
Sharon,Wendy & Family
Words cannot express our feelings for you loss.All the fun times we had at 49er tailgate parties. On my 6oth Birthday Party, Don knew a resturant owner in New Orleans and had fresh oyster flown it, he also cooked and schucked them. We will always remember his generosity, wit,fun for life and love for his family.Don, will never be forgotten.
Love,
Ro & Bill
Rob Smith
March 12, 2006
Sharon & Family,
Gail and I were very saddened to hear of Don's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy Matlock
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon & Family
I was so sorry to read of Don's passing. My thoughts are with you & your family. I know you will have lots of comfort from your many friends & your family. Don was a great guy and I know you have lots of wonderful memories.
Nancy (Hopkins)Matlock
Diane Backovich-Greene
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon,
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am so very sorry to hear that Don has passed away.
He was always a gentleman.
Nancy (Abreu) Lillywhite
March 12, 2006
Sharon & Windy....
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of your loss. We will pray for you and yours.
Jean Alameda
March 12, 2006
We got the sad news through Sharon P. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Wendy. Even though we are gone from the old neighborhood we have good memories of our 30 years there. Memories and time will hopefully ease the pain for you. Love, Izzy & Jean
Charlie & Nancy Piano
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon
Don was a great friend. He had quick wit; always had something interesting to say as well as a terrific sense of humor. We are going to miss all those fun times together, but we will always keep him close in our hearts! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dick Gallagher
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon our thoughts are with at this time. Don was "good people". I have many fond memoriies of him. Once again our thoughts are with you. Dick and Kathy
Pat & Amy Walsh
March 12, 2006
Dear Sharon & Family:
We are so sorry about Don's passing. He was such a good man. Pat and I have some good memories of him that will stay with us forever. You will be in our thoughts everyday. All our love,
Shawna Petrie
March 11, 2006
Sharon, Wendy and family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Don was a wonderful and loving man and he will be deeply missed.
Please know my prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless you and your family.
Love,
Shawna
Cheryl Stotler
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon,
John Coss and I send our condolences to you and your family for your recent loss. It was wonderful that we had an opportunity to know Don while we were in Vallejo. He was a class act and a great guy. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Cheryl & John
Bud and Yvonne York
March 11, 2006
So sorry to hear about Don's passing.
I worked at S&K Chevrolet for 35 years and knew Don for many years. He was first class in all ways. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Larry Cochran
March 11, 2006
Sharon, as I read all the wonderful tributes to Don, the thought I had was reflected by many. Don was truly "ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS" I will miss him greatly!
Wallace Joseph
March 11, 2006
Words cannot express how much Don gave to the world and what a wonderful person he was!
Debbie Lambert
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon and Family: We are so very sorry about your loss. It is our loss, as well. We will miss him and all the great times we had together. Wish there had been many more. Bob and Debbie Lambert
John Thurber
March 11, 2006
Sharon,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Don was always the consumate gentleman to me. His class and kindness will be missed. Please know our prayers are with you and your family. Take care,
Ron LaVaun
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon, It is dificult to say how I'm feeling for you and your family. Don was a great friend and was so generous to me and Steve at all those 49er games. Our families prayers are with you at this time. God Bless you and your family.
Joan Watson
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon and Wendy,
Tom and I were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He truely was one of the "Good Guys". He will be missed!
Joan(Francis) & Tom Watson
Debbie Roschitsch
March 11, 2006
My prayers are with your family in their time of grief. May your memories keep your family strong and I know you will be always watching over the family you loved so deeply. It was an honor to work with you over these past 6 years, and we missed you when you left Team Cadillac.
Joyce Haavisto
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon, Wendy, and Family: Don was a part of our family, as are you. We all loved him and will miss him very much. We will always have fond memories of our lives together, and the many fun times. We will always be there for you and send our love.
Vince & Joyce Haavisto
Barry Beronio
March 11, 2006
Sharon, Wendy & family; wow what a shock to the Beronio's. Don was a great friend who I will never forget all of the good times I've spent in his presence at 49er games and elsewhere.He was a first class gentleman without peer. I'll miss him.Until we meet again.
Dennis Abreu
March 11, 2006
Sharon & Windy....
Our thoughts and prayers are for you and we are truly heartbroken over your loss. It is a loss to all that knew Don. We will miss him forever, and we will pray for you and yours.
Dennis & Pat Abreu
Bryan Stewart
March 11, 2006
Don, It was an honor to work for you during the year I was there. You taught me so much and I'll always be grateful. May God's blessings be upon your family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.
Deborah & James Caston
March 11, 2006
My Dear Sharon,Wendy,Dave & Family,
Not only was Don my mentor, but I was blessed to be call His friend. He was a teacher, My Boss, but most of all the first person to give it to me streight! Weather I was wrong or wright. All that aside the most important gift I recieved was the gift of knowing what was important to Him Family & Friends. You met him as a Family Man & then became one of the Family. Thank you for sharing Him with me I am A better person for having know Him! I pray that we all will keep on doing what Don taught us to do,remember to make time for your Family & Friends. We Are Here for you all...Angels Be All About You...Our Love...
Jack and Cathy Anthony
March 11, 2006
Sharon and Wendy,
We cannot tell you how much Don meant to us. He will be missed by all. May the love and memories you shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
JAN KERR
March 11, 2006
Dear Sharon and Family,
I am sending my deepest sympathies to you all and this very sad time. I know all to well the great loss you are feeling. May the many happy memories carry you through this time. God Bless.
Frank & Gloria Taft
March 11, 2006
We have all lost a very good and loyal friend.
Don was one of the most generous and kind men that we will ever know.
He will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed.
Our love and condolences are sent to Sharon, Wendy & Dave and family.
Charles & Nancy Nowlin
March 11, 2006
He was loved and respected by all those fortunate enough to know him, and will be long remembered in the hearts of many.
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