Aug. 12, 1924 – Aug. 2, 2024
Westborough – Fred B. Hughes, Sr., 99, of Westborough, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024 in Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. His wife of seventy-eight years, Rita (Vigliatura) Hughes, predeceased him in June 2023.
Fred is survived by three sons, Fred B. Hughes, Jr. and his wife Ellie; Paul Hughes and his wife Norma, and John Hughes; a daughter Cheri Downer and her husband Kevin; eleven grandchildren, including Ashely Hughes, Shelley Lemieux, and Darlene Brennan; fifteen great grandchildren, including Ayden Bessette; two great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Clifford G. Hughes; and seven siblings, John, Harold, Joe, and Robert Hughes, Mary Bergeron, Irene Brown, and Gertrude Jason.
Fred was born in Worcester, son of the late, Thomas and Laura (Hinckley) Hughes. He grew up in Worcester, later moving to South Carolina and then to Tampa, FL, before returning here in 1974. Fred served his nation proudly in the United States Navy.
Fred retired from David Clark Company after many years of dedicated service. He had also worked as a commercial sewing machine technician. He enjoyed dancing with his beloved wife and was a member of the Vernon Hill Post-American Legion. He loved old movies and was extremely adept at being able to fix or repair almost anything.
Fred’s family would like to thank the kind people at Westborough Nursing Home, especially Dennis Gachau for the care and compassion shown to Fred and his family.
A Graveside Service, with Military Honors, will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 12 Noon at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, section-Garden of Honor.
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester assisted with arrangements.
