RONALD HUGHES

May 10, 1928 - September 12, 2012

Ronald “Ray” Hughes, 84, of Oak Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2012. He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Emma (nee Kimball) and Raymond R. Hughes. Mr. Hughes proudly served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1948 and in the US Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War.  During which time he received the WWII Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 3 stars, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Hughes was a member of the American Legion Post # 423 in Milton, NJ as well as a Life Member of the Milton Fire Co. # 1 in Milton, NJ.(Jefferson Twp.) In 1949, Mr. Hughes began working as a Steamfitter with NY Local 638, and at his time of passing, had over 50 years as a life member of the Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Local 638. He will best be remembered for his contributions in physically building the World Trade Center buildings in NYC.  A piece of him was taken upon the collapse of the buildings 11 years ago. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his many friends and caregivers at the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ where Mr. Hughes has been cared for in the last months of his life. Mr. Hughes was predeceased by his beloved wife Matilda “Judy” (nee Giardino) Hughes in 1998. Mr. Hughes is survived by his dear sons John B. Hughes and his wife JoAnn of Rutherford, NJ, Richard R. Hughes of Oakland, NJ, and Clifford S. Hughes and his wife Helene of Mt. Arlington, NJ, and his loving daughter Cheryl L. Hughes of Oak Ridge, NJ. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Patrick, Jonathan, Raymond, and Isabella Hughes, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 LaRue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. (for GPS…1 Post Place) A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470. The interment will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to: Milton Fire Co. # 1,162 Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ. 07438. On line directions and condolences:   http://www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com/