Howard D. Hughes – Charleroi
Howard D. Hughes, 94, of Charleroi, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2021, at Penn Highlands Monongahela Valley Hospital. Born in Brownsville on Jan. 19, 1927, Howard is the son of the late Isaac and Mary Gue Hughes. Methodist by faith, Howard was one of the longest active members of American Legion Post 22 in Charleroi. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II as a sergeant with the 9th Infantry Division. Following his service to his country, Howard was the owner/operator of the Charleroi Motor Company, which provided sales and services for Studebaker during the 1950s and early 1960s. Howard then became a department manager at the Charleroi Montgomery Ward for more than 25 years until his first retirement. Following Montgomery Ward, Howard supplied maintenance, repair and general services with McGinley Maintenance Inc. for many years until his last retirement at age 93. He enjoyed working on the family farm, rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh sports teams, playing horseshoes, golfing, watching “Star Trek” and was an avid sci-fi fan. Howard’s true joy in life was being a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Surviving to cherish Howard’s memory are his wife of 72 years, celebrated on June 27, 2021, Dolores Shogan Hughes; his two sons, James (Marna) Hughes of Carroll Township and David (Janet) Hughes, of Clarkston, Mich.; his two daughters, Susan (Jeffry) Betler of Fallowfield Township and Colleen (Nick) Povich of Monessen; grandchildren, Jason Hughes, Katherine (Zachary) Bonatesta, Emily (Joe) Cappelli, Michael (Clare) Betler and step-grandson, Japheth (Amber) Tirpak; great-grandchildren, Ariana and Geno Cappelli, Layla Bonatesta and great-granddaughter on the way, Stevie Betler; his step-great-grandchildren, Lily and Cadyn Tirpak, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by his three brothers, John, Thomas and Robert Hughes. The family would like to express its sincerest gratitude to the McGinley family, Dr. Dawson Lim, Dr. Joseph Michael, Dr. John Holets, the nurses and the entire staff of the Monongahela Valley Hospital Progressive Care Unit for the compassion, care and professionalism given to Mr. Hughes. Friends and family will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC. (formerly Schrock- Hogan Funeral Home), 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home Wednesday, Oct. 13, with Pastor Jeff Marton officiating. Interment will follow at Beallsville Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 22. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required inside the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s name to the Disabled American Veterans Charity or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.
