John Hughes

On April 23, 2021, John Joseph Hughes, Sr., at the age of 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Bala Cynwyd with his family by his side.   He was born in Washington, D.C. to his mother, Esther, father, George, and resided with his siblings, Madeline, George ("Buddy"), Mary K., Margaret and James.  He attended St. John's College High School from 1941-45 where he played football and basketball with his older brother, Buddy.  John received basketball and football scholarships from the University of Maryland and Georgetown University, and played football at Georgetown until he graduated in 1950.

Prior to attending Georgetown Law School from 1952-53, John served in the Army in Alaska from 1950-52 during the Korean War.  In 1956, John began work as a Trial Attorney for the Philadelphia Office of the Antitrust Division, United States Department of Justice.  He was promoted to Assistant Chief of the Division in 1965 and Chief in 1971, retiring in 1994.

John was an outstanding softball pitcher from the 1940's through 1965 and pitched two perfect games in 1960.  John came out of retirement in the mid-1970's to play in a local softball league with his sons and nephews.  He was inducted into the Washington D.C. Softball Hall of Fame in 1969 and the Philadelphia Softball Hall of Fame in 1974.

John lived in Bala Cynwyd for over 60 years with his wife and four children and was dedicated to his church, St. Matthias, and his community.  He and several other members of the church started an intramural basketball league for high school boys that truly brought the community together.

John was a dedicated family man and is survived by his wife, Helen, his children, John Hughes, Jr. (Helen), Jean Anne Principato (Frank), Helene Lynch (the late Fran) and Michael Hughes (Jennifer).  Grandfather of James, Francis, Jenny, Andrew, Taylor, Allison, Cara and the late Frankie; great-grandfather of Quinn.  Also survived by his sister, Margaret, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  His unconditional and immense generosity in love and deed will be sorely missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Wednesday, April 28, 2021  6:00-8:00 PM at St. Matthias Church, 128 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA and to his Funeral Mass Thursday, April 29, 2021 10:30 AM.  Interment Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Masks are to be worn when visiting the family, to the Funeral Mass and Cemetery.   Social distancing is to be observed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lower Merion Fraternal Order Of Police, Lodge 28, P.O. Box 430, Ardmore, PA 19003.

John's Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/ or St. Matthias Church livestreamed at saintmatthias.org