Stuart M. Hughes, 88, of Westport Island, passed away at his home on Sept. 19. The son of Alfred and Florence Hughes, he was born in Southbridge, Mass., and later raised in Quincy, Mass. After graduating from Northeastern University in 1943, he went on active duty with the U.S. Navy. As a Lieutenant, Stuart served as skipper of a sub chaser, and later as the second in command of a destroyer escort in the Pacific Theatre.
In 1945 he married Phyllis Kirby of Boston, and in 1947 he began his career with the American Mutual Insurance Company. In the course of his career he worked in Atlanta, Chicago, Lexington, Ky. and Wakefield, Mass. While in Atlanta, he became one of the founders of a new Episcopal parish in Decatur.
At the time of his retirement, he had served as American Mutual’s President and Chairman of its board of directors. A lifelong boater, Stuart and his wife retired to Florida aboard the boat Southerly before moving to Westport Island in 1991. Phyllis died in 1993.
In 1995, Stuart married Judith Bassi Kramer of Yarmouth, where the couple resided, later moving to Alna before making their home on Westport Island in 2002. Stuart and Judy traveled through Italy and England; eager to return to the home and community they loved on Westport.
Stuart’s son, Thomas, predeceased him.
In addition to his wife Judy, Stuart is survived by his sister, Betty Hughes Morris of Squantum, Mass.; daughters, Laurel Hughes of Peabody, Mass., and Holly Hughes of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and nephews, Aidan and Chad Morris of Massachusetts.
Service in celebration of his life 2 p.m., Sun., Sept. 27 at the Westport Community Church on the Main Rd. (Rt. 144) on Westport Island, followed by a reception at the Hughes’ home.
Those who wish to do so, may send donations in Stuart’s name to the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, P.O. Box 1128, Bath, ME 04530 in support of the Bunyon Preserve on Westport Island.
Condolences for the family may be expressed at www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
