Robert Joseph Hughes, U.S. Navy Retired Master Chief Petty Officer, 87, of Lewiston, NY and formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2021, in Greenfield Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, NY after a lengthy illness. Born August 30, 1934, in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Leathed and Edna (Johnson) Hughes; and beloved husband to Mary Catherine ("Polly" Savage) Hughes, who he married on June 15, 1957, at the former Sacred Heart Church.

Robert was a 1952 graduate of Trott Vocational High School. He proudly enlisted into the United States Navy in 1952, and served aboard the U.S.S Hale DD 642, departing in 1954 for its World Cruise and crossing the equator (Shellback), as well as crossing the International Date Line (Order of Magellen). Following his honorable discharge, he reenlisted into the United States Naval Reserves amassing over 40 years of dedicated service to our Country and served as a Command Master Chief at the Buffalo Naval Reserve Center.

Returning to Niagara Falls, Robert began working at Bell Aircraft and Barker Electric. In 1957, he was employed by the Niagara Falls Board of Education for over 38 years as an electrician and ended his career as an electrical and custodial foreman prior to his retirement in 1995. During that span, he served on the committee that drafted the first CSEA Local Union contract for non-instructional employees. He also served as a Union VP, shop steward and was a member of several negotiating teams. Robert was also a former president of the decision-making committee, the Niagara Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union, and was instrumental in the annual United Way Charity drive. After his retirement, Robert stayed active in the community; he volunteered at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center at the information desk and as a caravan driver. He also served on the Center City Development Corporation's Board of Directors.

Robert was a longtime parishioner and 25-year usher of the former Sacred Heart Church, where he was a member of the church council and an officer in the holy name society as their VP and treasurer. He had a love for airplanes, as well a Native American Culture and Arts, and current affairs. Above all Robert dedicated his life to his beloved family, who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Mr. Hughes is survived by U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Robert L. (Mary), Kevin (Pamela), U.S. Army Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5, Keith (Julie), Kristin, and Thomas (Lori) Hughes; his grandchildren Patrick (Kristine), Kyle (Heather), John, Kerry, and Braedon; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Connor Hughes; his two brothers, Thomas (Sharon) Hughes and W. John Hughes; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 24 from 4 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Robert's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 AM in St. Peter's Church, 622 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Please assemble at church. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery with U.S. Naval Honors. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.