Obituary of Robert A. Hughes

Seneca Lake:  Robert A. Hughes passed away, at the home he loved on Seneca Lake, on March 5, 2023, his 86th birthday, with his loving wife Kay by his side. He was born in Elmira to parents James and Dorothy Moran Hughes. He is survived by his devoted wife Kay Mandeville Hughes; sons, Timothy M. Hughes (Kim Cady), Montour Falls, Gary E. Hughes (Jane Simpson), Waverly, Kenneth A. Hughes (Christy), Elmira; daughters, Christine M. Aug (Joseph), Charlotte, NC and Kimberly A. Hughes (Marty McInerny), Elmira; step-children, John Mandeville (Lori), Vestal, NY, and Jane Simpson, Waverly; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Hughes, Elmira; brothers-in-law William Zdon, Towanda, PA and Joel Zdon, Waverly; nieces, nephews and many cousins from his extended Irish family; former wife and dear friend Ann Tamara Freeman, mother of his five children; faithful dogs, Topsy and Maggie. Bob is predeceased by granddaughter Olivia Hughes and grandson Jonathan Mandeville.

Bob graduated from Elmira Free Academy and after high school worked in the Drafting Department at American Bridge Division of US Steel. He was president of Elmira Holding Corporation, which included Dixie and Paramount Lanes. He highly promoted Junior Bowling programs in his centers. He was an accomplished bowler with numerous awards. He bowled on the PBA Tour from 1962-1969. With five children and the corporation to run, the Pro Tour was not sustainable. In 1963 he was Bowler of the Year and in 1964 he was inducted into the Chemung County Hall of Fame. In 1963 he rolled an 801 series, the second 800 series in the area. His greatest thrill was bowling in Madison Square Garden with Dick Weber.

Bob was proud of his Irish heritage and possessed a dry Irish wit. A history buff, no road trip was complete without stopping to read every historical marker along the way. The Civil War was of particular interest, and he loved walking every battlefield he visited. Bob loved jazz, the New York Yankees, Syracuse University football and basketball. He was a lifetime member of the Elmira Elks Club, member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Mechanics Club of Montour Falls, Montour Moose Club, the Twin Tiers Jazz Society, and the Syracuse Orange Pack.

Services for Bob will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a 4:15 p.m. funeral service.  Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery

Those wishing may remember Bob with a donation to a charity of one’s choice.