Richard E. “Rich” Hughes

Richard E. Hughes, age 72, passed away, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at his home with his family at his side.
He was born in Utica, New York, on Sept.12, 1952, a son of the late John T. “Jack” and Lillian (Critelli) Hughes. Rich was raised and educated in Long Island, and New Jersey, he graduated from General Douglas MacArthur High School. He continued his education at NASA Community College, the College at Brockport State University, and Trenton State College.
Mr. Hughes was the owner and operator of Hughes Contracting Company in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and later in Melbourne, Florida. On April 25, 2009, in Satellite Beach, Florida, Rich married Helen K. Love. The couple shared in a union blessed with more than 16 years of marriage.
He retired in 2016 after years of dedication to his business.
His membership includes Crowley Rotary Club (awarded Rotarian of the Year in 2024), Crowley Town Club, and board member for One Crowley. He helped raise $30,000 for rescue funds and participated in the first annual Crowley Fur Ball for Haseya’s New Beginning Animal Rescue of Rayne.
Rich enjoyed coaching little league baseball and had an impact on many of his players. He advocated for handicap accessibility and a handicap playground at Levy Park. Along with Leah Hoffpauir, Rich co-founded CASH — Crowley Accessibility Support for the Handicapped.
He worked alongside many Crowley residents to bring the The Boys & Girls Club to Crowley. He was appointed a Court Appointed Special Advocate and was a founding member of the CAB (Citizens against Blight).
He gave his last days selflessly to community service and was an inspiration to many, tirelessly working until his death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen K. Love of Crowley; two daughters, Jessica Hughes-Milligan of Columbia, South Carolina, (her mother, Deborah Clisham), and Julia Diana Hughes, of Columbus, Ohio; and a son and daughter-in-law, John Richard and Daniella Hughes of Indianapolis, Indiana (their mother, Jean “Jeannie” Dusa); two grandchildren, David Landholt, and Lolli Rose Milligan; and a brother, John T. Hughes II, of Utica.
Also surviving is an aunt, Catherine M. Critelli of Utica, New York; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Charles Love, Patricia Love and husband Bengt Lindell, Georgette Love and husband John Richard, and Jeanette and Jerry Skrobarcek.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home.
The family requests visiting hours Saturday from 10 a.m. to service time.
In keeping with Rich’s wishes, will be cremated and will be inurned at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Utica, New York, next to his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F, Crowley, 337-783-3313.