Jerry Hughes

Jerry T. Hughes, 64, died March 20, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born in Bangor, October 10, 1949, son of James A. and Florence “Pat” Hughes.
He graduated from Bangor High School, class of 1967, was a veteran serving in the US Army for 10 years including a tour of duty in Vietnam, 1969 to 1970. In 1980 Jerry was hired by Bangor Public Works, as a heavy equipment operator. In 1981, he assumed the responsibilities of Bangor’s Cemetery Supervisor, and in 1996, he became the department’s Training Officer. For many years, Jerry was a mainstay in Bangor’s recycling efforts, coordinating the program from its inception, and in 2004, he served as acting Public Works Director. Jerry always helped out with the toughest tasks, stepping up to sit on the MRRA Personnel committee and many others, helping to guide and develop the professionals at MRRA. He worked tirelessly on the board of directors of MRRA since 1989, to champion professional solid waste management and recycling in the state of Maine. He often times acted as the calm voice of reason and wisdom, guiding the board of directors quietly with keen observations, historical reminders, or a funny quip to help folks laugh at themselves.
He served on the committee for Keep Bangor Beautiful, Garden Show and was secretary and an honorary board member of the Curran Homestead.
A self- taught and accomplished song writer, musician and teacher, Jerry was very committed to and passionate about his music. He was deeply committed to many volunteer music engagements.
Jerry truly cared about people and was a very giving person. He was a loving, husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle. Surviving are his wife of 18 years , Roberta “Robbi” (Thibeau) Hughes of Bangor; sons, Jay T. Hughes, Brice S. Hughes, both of Brewer, and Shawn P. Hughes of Bangor; step-daughters, Ann Marie Adams, and Shellie Domenico, both of Bangor; 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild; his sister, Sue-Ellen MacInnes of Eden, UT; three nephews and one niece, all of UT.
A service in celebration of his life will be held 3 pm. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor, following the service. Private interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Jerry may be sent to The Curran Homestead-Hughes, Memorial Fund, for the designated purposes of;
(Myelodysplastic Syndrome Research, (MDS) or final medical and burial expenses; or a college fund for his grandchildren) P.O. Box 107, Orrington, ME. 04474.
The family expresses their gratitude to the team of caregivers at CancerCare of Maine and EMMC ICU nurses and physicians.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.