John W. Hughes

John W. Hughes, 73, of Berwick, passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, November 1, 2018. Born in Pittsburgh November 13, 1944, John was a son to the late Louis and Ann (Flaherty) Hughes. John attended St. Justin School in Pittsburgh, after which he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. He had been stationed in Japan as well as the east and west coasts of the United States. He served much of his time aboard nuclear submarines and earned the designation of Shellback, having crossed the equator. While stationed in Japan, he was nominated to participate in a 17 week program, after which he attained the rank of First Class Steward. John retired at the rank of Mess Management Specialist First Class. As an avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and beagle training. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed cooking, woodworking, and model railroading. An exceptional man with a kind and caring spirit, he loved spending time with his family, by whom he will be greatly missed. Surviving John is his loving wife of nearly 12 years, Susan Hughes. Also surviving are his children: Anna Marie Hughes of WA, Jan Whitebread and wife, Diana, of Nescopeck, Jodi Cienki of VA, and Jamie Yule and husband, Dan, of Berwick, grandchildren: Christian Whitebread and fiancé, Maria Bard, Cody Whitebread, Melody Cienki, Kyle Yule, and Nicholas Yule, siblings: Louis Hughes and wife, Noreen, Richard Hughes and wife, Juneann, and Mary Hughes, mother-in-law: Ruth Bloom, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Hughes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. The Kelchner-McMichael-Baker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hughes family. Online messages of love and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.