Dick was the third child of Anna (Nanc) and Gene Hughes. He was born in Wilkes-Barre on New Years Day, 1924 and lived in Hanover Township all his life. He attended school only until 7th or 8th grade, leaving to help his family. His lack of formal education didn’t keep him from having a successful work life, though. Along the way, he gained the skills to become an X-Ray technician and phlebotomist and was employed by the International Ladies Garment Union. At that time, the union provided examinations at the factories for their employees. Portable units would visit each factory and provide chest x-rays and blood tests. Dick was very good at his job and earned the reputation of being an excellent blood drawer. A bit later in life, he also worked as a bartender.
He was a good roller skater and taught others to skate. In fact, he met Irene at the local roller rink. Irene was also from Hanover Township and attended St. Mary’s school in Plymouth. She had eight siblings and always loved being with them.
Dick and Irene had a happy marriage and were blessed with three children – Ricky, Kevin and Colleen. Sadly, Ricky contracted Rheumatic Fever when he was very young and, because there wasn’t much treatment for it at the time, it left him with many health issues. He passed away when he was only 25. In his short life, though, he lived a life of love with the Hughes family.
They loved visiting the Wrights in Larksville and their family in New Jersey. For family vacations, they sometimes rented the cottage Aunt Vern and Uncle Dick owned near Harvey’s Lake. They spent a lot of time with the close knit Hughes family and especially enjoyed the San Souci picnics where the entire Hughes family often spent the day.
Dick had a beautiful voice and loved singing Irish songs and anything by Al Jolson. He was a popular family entertainer. Irene loved dancing polkas and being with her family. Her best friend was Peggy Blaum and they talked on the phone every day.
The Hughes and Wright families have beautiful memories of Dick and Irene. Please share yours on this post.
Children:
Ricky
Kevin – Shirley
Amanda – Michael Rostkowski
Cameron
Kaycee – Anthony Mercandante
Santino
Colleen – Dave Auchinlect
Eric Hughes
Jenna
Kyle
