Joseph Richard Hughes

Joseph Richard Hughes Sr. , age 76, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on August 1, 2023 in Bel Air, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Melvin and Catherine (Mosca) Hughes and husband of Sandra L. Hughes. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He served as a musician during his tour in Wurtzburg, Germany from August 1966 to August 1969.   He was a member of the American Legion Post 39 in Bel Air, Maryland.  

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his sons, David (Kimberly) Hughes and Joseph (Sarah) Hughes; daughter, Holly (Michael) Robert; grandchildren, Emmett Hughes, Hannah Hughes, Jonah Hughes, Caitlyn Robert, Cameron Robert and sister, Frances Violanti.

“If you have a dream, gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.  The pathway to life’s achievements must begin with dream and the courage to follow through to reality” ~ Joe Sr.

Joseph certainly fulfilled those dreams with an accomplished, happy life.   He made it a point to do so.  

If you knew Joseph, you knew that he was very proud of his Italian heritage.   You could often find him dining at one of his favorite Italian restaurants, drinking a glass of chianti or sambuca.   He loved sharing all things Italian with everyone he met.  

Joseph was a true one of a kind.  He was creative and witty.  He loved to make people laugh and enjoy themselves through his uncompromised humor, formal speeches during holidays and special events, and most of all with his musical talents.    

Music became one of Joseph’s most significant passions in life.   His parents enrolled him in private music lessons at the age of seven and the rest is history.   He would go on to perform accordion and piano throughout Maryland and Europe during the 1960’s as an army bandsman.   Needless to say, he was an accomplished musician and made his childhood dreams come true.   His music genre of choice was undoubtedly Jazz.   He would often say that “Jazz is God’s music”.  

Another true passion of Joseph’s was the art of writing.   He yearned to be a published writer.   That dream became a reality in 2003, while living in Las Vegas.  After enrolling in a short story writing course at the College of Southern Nevada, he honed his craft and quickly published his first story about his father titled “Quiet Hero”.   He was incredibly proud of this story, and it ultimately led to his writing career.   Joseph went on to write for several magazines and publications upon his return to Maryland in 2006. 

Joseph’s love and care for his family was extraordinary.  He loved nothing more but to spend quality time with family, making wonderful memories.   He was happiest when his was in the company of his family. 

Through all of this and so much more, Joseph succeeded in creating and building a happy life for himself. 

“The idea of perfect happiness is only that, an idea.  Instead practice and experience love of family, close friends, the animal world, the beauty of nature, consider the afterlife.  Be kind.  Happiness will show up.  It has for me.  I’m thankful”.   ~Joe Sr.