William H. "Bill" Hughes Sr.

William H. "Bill" Hughes Sr., of Jacksonville, NY passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family..

Bill was born in Ithaca, NY on September 24, 1927, a son of the late Lewis F. and Iva Mae (nee Sutton) Hughes.

Bill being the youngest of nine children, always had a deep love for family, which created a humble and kind man whose even keeled nature was felt by all those around him. He served his country in the armed forces being a member of the United States Army Infantry from 1950-1952 during the Korean War where he earned the title of Sergeant.  After his honorable discharge from the Army he met the love of his life, Esther Thurber and they were married on October 31, 1959. Bill and Esther resided in Jacksonville, NY where they raised their three children.  Bill was a "jack of all trades" and never shied away from any task he was faced with.  He was employed by NYS Parks and Recreations at Taughannock Falls State Park where he retired with 33 years of service.  Bill loved the great outdoors and took great pride in maintaining and caring for the park for all it's visitors. After his retirement he remained active, and was an avid Yankees fan. He enjoyed spending time outdoors.  He loved helping his son on the old family homestead with some occasional farm work.  Bill's greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by three children, Barbara Hughes Workman, Amy Hughes, and William (Heather) Hughes Jr.; granddaughters, Emma and Olivia Hughes;sisters in-law Roberta Miller (Marvin Eggelston) and Beverly Gaffney; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Esther (nee Thurber) Hughes in 2020; brothers, Robert, Augustus, Abram, Albert and Walter Hughes; sisters, Lillian Carr, Pauline Livingstone and Helen Hughes; and sons in law, Butch McComb and Francis Elliott.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to his sister in-law Roberta Miller who took special care of him over the past three years, his VNS Physical Therapist, Luke and Hospice Nurse, Nicole.

The family will be present to receive family and friends on Thursday July 13, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg NY 14886. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in William's Honor to: Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Co., EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.