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Thomas Hughes Obituary
DELMAR - Thomas J. Hughes, affectionately known as Tommy, was born on August 26, 1970, in Albany, N.Y., to Thomas E. Hughes and Michele M. Hughes. He departed from this world unexpectedly on July 7, 2024, at his home, leaving a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Tommy was a loving and devoted father to his daughter. He would move mountains for her and also shared a special bond with his niece, Gabby; and nephews, Liam and William. Family was everything to Tommy, especially his own father, which was evident in the way he always put his needs above his own.
Having earned his Optical license at Mater Dei College of New York, Tommy had a keen eye for detail which extended to his hobby of building Legos with Haley. Their creations will forever stand as a testament to the beautiful bond they shared. He cherished moments spent watching movies with Gabby and watching sport shows with his dad. Golf outings with friends brought him immense joy, strengthening the deep connections he valued in life.
A man of humor, compassion, and generosity, Tommy's big heart touched all who knew him. His warm personality drew people in, making him a beloved figure among his social circle. He loved to soak up the sun in tropical destinations like Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Hawaii and Aruba - creating lasting memories in the company of those he held dear.
In Tommy's passing, grandfathers, Arthur Hughes and Michael Spagnuolo; and grandmothers, Lillian Hughes and Nitta Spagnuolo (grandmother) welcomed him into Eternal Peace. He leaves his grieving parents, Thomas E. Hughes and Michele M. Hughes; sisters, Michele Whelan and Bridget Sousa; niece, Gabby Whelan; nephews, Liam Whelan and William Sousa; daughter, Haley Hughes; brother-in-law, Brian Whelan; brother-in-law, Michael Sousa; as well as other relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by him.
Though Tommy's physical presence is no longer with us, the light of his love will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace knowing that he made a profound impact on those around him through his kindness and unwavering devotion.
Services were held privately at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/northeasternny).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hughes
Scott Boice
July 23, 2024
Scott Boice and I are sorry and Ed at the passing Tom Jr.My his kindness and love live forever. If you need anything please reach out. He will forever be in our hearts. Love to u all. Rose and Scott
Liza (Carusone) Cline
July 20, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I've know Tom since our days at Grand Union. He was one of the nicest people I'd ever met. Always a smile to greet you. He will be missed.
Kathy Curran
July 20, 2024
Michelle and family , just learned of your brothers passing. Patrick and I want to offer our condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Kathy Curran
Ned Costigan
July 19, 2024
I think Tom made friends with almost all his customers. We died a level of talent and service hard to find elsewhere. He will be missed. We went their for over a decade for responsible eye services and Tom provided the best in customer attention of many.
Richard A. Spinosa
July 19, 2024
TOMMY.I cant believe your gone,RIP Buddy
Gail Recchia
July 18, 2024
Our hearts are heavy as we read this tragic news. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace. Joe Gail Catherine & Lauren Recchia
Jeannette
July 18, 2024
Michelle, I am so sorry for you and your family. My condolences on the loss of your beloved son.
Jeannette
Ned Costigan
July 17, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to Toms family and friends. A great professional and nice guy, loved doing business with optics shop for years. He will be missed.
John Defino
July 17, 2024
My deepest condolences. I will miss Tommy, always smiling and helpful
Jamar Farmer (longtime patient of the Hughes)
July 17, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Condolences to the Hughes family.
Kathy Newkirk
July 17, 2024
Sorry for your loss. May God help everyone through this difficult time.
Thomas Di Palermo
July 16, 2024
Deepest condolences to the Hughes family. Tommy was a bright light that uplifted all he met. So deeply sorry for your loss
Sue Cox/Hartz
July 16, 2024
My condolences to the Hughes family. Tom was a great friend, and we had many laughs in high school and our early adult years. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time.
Steve and Lea Miller
July 16, 2024
Our best to Tommy' s family in this darkest of times.
Heather Mullins
July 16, 2024
I have known Tommy since our Hamagrael days, and every memory is a warm one. He always made me smile, and he gave me the greatest hugs. During this difficult time, my sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace, friend.
Tom Arnstein
July 15, 2024
Tom,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your son.
Tom
Donna Aitoro-Williams
July 15, 2024
Oh, NOOOOO. My great Eye Guy! This is so sad. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Joe and Sheila Elario
July 15, 2024
We are so sorry to learn of Tommy's passing. He was a strong presence in the community and will be deeply missed. Sending our prayers and thoughts to the Hughes family.
John C. Sousa Jr.
July 14, 2024
May the Hughes family stay strong during this most difficult time. Thinking and praying for you. I only got to spend limited time with Tommy but always left laughing and enjoying the time we had. Rest in Peace Tommy.
Nancy Gallitelli
July 14, 2024
So sorry to the Hughes family. Our hearts go out to you.
MaryAnn Davis
July 14, 2024
Tom, Thank You for showing me the best glasses ever, a lot of people would say to me, the glasses look great. I would said go see Tom at Hughes Optical.
A ended all too soon .
Steve & Debi Jackson
July 14, 2024
Tom & Michelle, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved son Tommy. We hope you are comforted by your memories of him, and that you find strength from family and friends during this sad time as you mourn his passing.
Bill and Jeannette Rice
July 14, 2024
Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Hughes family in the passing of Tommy.
Frank and Rusty Kindlon
July 13, 2024
To Tom, Michelle, and Family-
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. We are at a loss for words, we are so sorry for your loss.
Ken Ringler
July 13, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to all of the Hughes family. Marty and I are so sorry for your loss.
Ken Ringler & Marty DeLaney
Lynne Rutnik
July 13, 2024
Tommy... such a bright light from HS to when I walked in to Hughes Optician to get our son, Owen, fitted for his 1st set of glasses and then he helped cheer him on in his teens when trying his 1st set of contacts. I´ll always remember him laughing with his HS buddies and his warm sense of humor when we stopped by Hughes Optician to pick up glasses/contacts and reminisce about old HS times. The Rutnik family is sending you so much love and strength during your time of deep sorrow. Tommy was a very special person in our lives and he will be missed.
Sandy Sorell
July 13, 2024
I knew Tom through his business and social gatherings. He was kind, polite, and funny. His family is the best. Rest in peace, Tom.
Cheryl Lovelace
July 12, 2024
Tommy always made me feel like I was the only person in the room when we talked at BCHS or parties. He was so charming and lovable. He'll be missed.
Sherry and Steve Einhorn
July 12, 2024
We send our sincere condolences to all members of the Hughes family. Tommy's cheerful, outgoing and truly warm personality always made us feel welcome and that our friendship was appreciated. You are all in our thoughts, and it is our sincere hope and prayer that memories of happy times shared with Tommy will sustain you. With love....Sherry and Steve
Cheryl Ritchko
July 12, 2024
Tom didn´t just offer sympathy after Jeff Buley passed away, he hired a cleaning service to clean Jeff´s place, mowed the yard, brought us food, fed the attacking cat. Showed up beyond measure. My daughters and I are eternally grateful for that; you learn who stands out after everyone goes back to their lives. We will also always cherish fun memories.
Joe Colarusso
July 12, 2024
To Tommy´s Dad Tom and his Mom Michelle and sweet Haley.
My heart breaks for you two, Haley and the entire family and all of those of us who were befriended by Tommy.
His smile lit up a room and even his eyes seemed to smile.
He was a man filled with integrity, kindness and most of all love.
I witnessed all of Tommy´s qualities while working at the ACC where he created so many beautiful memories on and off the golf course with family and friends.
What I´ll cherish the most is the moments Tommy spent with his beautiful sweet daughter Haley. His love for Haley poured out of him when she would share a day or night with her Dad at the ACC.There is no greater gift in life than the gift of Mom or Dad and Tommy was the best of the best in his role as Haley´s Dad.
It is no cliche that Tommy will live on in all of our hearts. How could he not, he touched all of our hearts so profoundly.
I will miss him terribly as you all will but I will smile forever every single time I think of Tommy......
Much Love,
Joe Colarusso
Ella Ruff
July 11, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tom will most certainly be missed, he truly was a wonderful person .
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