Obituary of John W. Hughes

John W. Hughes, 60, of Ewing Twp., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. Born in Washington, DC, John was a longtime resident of Springfield then Fairfax, VA, before moving to Ewing Twp. 2 years ago. After graduating from high school, John was employed at a number of establishments in Northern VA including Hardees, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and Spartans Family Restaurant as a restaurant attendant. He loved to work and remained a valuable part of the work crew at Spartans for decades. Some of his hobbies included listening to music, singing, dancing, bowling, horseback riding, and vaulting, which was something he excelled in. He was a loving and kind-hearted brother, uncle, cousin, co-worker, and friend who will be dearly missed. Son of the late Wilton J. Hughes and Winifred (Winnie) Buebe; he is survived by his siblings Jeffrey Hughes, Liza and Craig McCoy, Anne-Marie and Mark Salerno and Jennifer Hughes; and his nephews, Wyatt and Will Sutherland. His mother tirelessly advocated for John early on in his life to receive special education and related services at a time when many children were denied access to education and opportunities to learn. He was a former member of the Springfield Swimming Club where he learned how to swim and dive, and participated in Special Olympics competitions and events, such as swimming, bowling, field & track, softball, and soccer. He found the most success and joy in swimming and bowling, winning many ribbons and trophies and participated in several bowling leagues over the years. His father was also instrumental in involving John in horseback riding sessions and a vaulting team led by Carol Fuller for children and youth in Falls Church, VA. Though John was the only team member who had a developmental disability (Down syndrome), under Carol’s coaching, he excelled and became an ardent vaulter, proudly winning ribbons in countless in-state and out-of-state competitions. Words cannot convey how much John was loved and will be missed by his family (siblings, nephews, cousins, and in-laws) as well as the friends he made along the way. He touched the lives of many and was always reminding others of what was important in life by simply being who he was- childlike, loving, affectionate, a friend to all, someone who loved to make you smile and laugh and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life- always sharing his gifts and someone who pretty much celebrated his birthday 365 days a year. Though life here won’t be the same, we know and trust Jesus and Our Heavenly Father are holding John close while there’s a huge celebration underway where he is being warmly welcomed and ushered into heaven’s gates. Always loved and forever in our hearts…until we meet again. The interment for John will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 11:30AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Attendees are asked to arrive to the cemetery no later than 11:15AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 11:00AM at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Visitation for John will be held on Friday morning from 10:30-11:00AM in the church. Due to floral restrictions with the cemetery, please consider a memorial donation to Special Olympics.