Robert Hughes

Robert Hughes, 88, of Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Jessica Hughes; his four children, Lee Koonce of Mashpee, MA, Jody LaMontagne of Durham, NH, Scott Hughes of Dover, NH, and Ashley Bozek of Bedford, NH; and his siblings, Richard Hughes, Joy Pare, Thomas Hughes, and David Hughes.

Born in Medford, MA, he was an avid athlete and musician. At 12 years old, he was awarded the “Outstanding Camper” of his music camp and, from there, supported the Salvation Army by playing the trumpet until age 15.

By junior high, he was elected as soccer captain and awarded the “Brightest Star of Many” as their highest scorer in the Medford Sports Newspaper. In 1955, he was selected as the “Outstanding Boy” of his class and was awarded a full soccer scholarship to Tufts College of Electrical Engineering. He was even asked to play for the American World Cup team, which he declined in order to serve his country and pursue his military career.

In February of 1956, he joined the United States Air Force “Aviation Cadet” program and was hand-selected by John F. Kennedy to be appointed to the Air Force Academy’s Navigational School. He was selected as Cadet Colonel, 1st Wing Commander, responsible for the Cadet Corps, composed of over 750 cadets. He served a total of 21 years, retiring honorably as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. He was also honored as a military chaplain during that time.

Along with being an accomplished athlete and a decorated veteran, Robert continued his professional career as the Director of Marketing for more than 30 years, working at BAE Systems, Kollmorgen, and Kollsman.

In addition to being a loving husband and father, he was also a devoted Papa to his grandchildren, Sam, Derek, Dustin, Adam, Molly, Luke, Jack, Tyler, Lucy, and Devin, and his great-grandchildren, Emme, Henry, and Nora.

Robert touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with and will be missed more than words could ever express.

There will be a chapel service on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11AM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen NH 03303.