Richard J. Hughes, 76, of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, July 18, 2025. Born in Newton, Rich was the son of the late Henry and Helen (Harris) Hughes.

He was raised and educated in Burlington, MA and graduated from Burlington High School. He was a proud member of the first Burlington High School hockey team. Rich remained a life-long hockey fan. He was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970, and his calling to public service continued for many years.

After an honorable discharge, he was eventually employed as a firefighter for the town of Wilmington, a job he loved. He met the love of his life, Mary “Jan” Matheson, through a mutual friend and the two were inseparable. They married, and their relationship became even stronger with the birth of their son Jason and daughter Jody.

Rich enjoyed being a hockey dad and adored Jody at her dance recitals. Jody and Rich had a special bond. Jody was the only one who could connect with Rich sometimes, and they shared an immovable-object-meets-unstoppable-force kind of energy and mutual respect. Rich loved Jody’s spirit and strength, and they understood one another like no one else.

Richard was predeceased by his siblings, Michael Hughes and Helen Norden.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary ‘Jan’ Hughes of Tewksbury; his adoring children, Jason Hughes and his wife Julie of Burlington and Jody Gay and her husband Daniel of Dracut; a grandchild, Reilly Hughes; his siblings, Hank Hughes and his wife Flo of Florida; and Patty Melaragni and her husband Jack of New Hampshire as well as several nieces and nephews.

The Hughes family would like to thank all those who reached out and offered support to the family during this solemn time.

At his request in lieu of a funeral and wake, there will be a celebration of Rich’s life Sunday July 20th 2025 at the home of his son Jason at 81R Bedford St. Burlington, MA from 12 noon to 6PM (casual attire). If you are able to walk, please reserve the driveway for those who have difficulty. There is parking available across the street and on any nearby side street like Humboldt St. Rich wanted a casual, informal gathering of friends and family (everyone is welcome). So please stop in and tell us a story about Rich and have some food and a beverage with us as we celebrate the life of Rich. If you care to write down any fun or memorable story about Rich, we will be collecting them at the email: ez2remember@mac.com for a memory book for the family.