Bob Hughes, father of six, grandfather to eighteen, and totally devoted husband to his wife of 61 years Estella (Mongan) Hughes, died October 23, 2012 at home, at peace, and with his wife at his side, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born November 28, 1926 to Edward and Ellen (Nellie) Hughes and spent his childhood in Manchester and at Lake Winnipesaukee.
Bob graduated from Saint Joseph's High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Anselm College. He married Estella A. Mongan, the love of his life, on September 15, 1951. Together, they built a life that was always active, ever-changing and never boring. After a successful career in the auto industry, he went on to found Manor Homes Builders, "Builders of the American Dream". His talent was recognized in 1995 with an unprecedented nine NH Homebuilders Association awards. The Hughes home at Lake Winnipesaukee was featured in Custom Builder Magazine as "Best in the Northeast". He has left a lasting reminder of his creativity, his imagination and his perfectionism on dozens of Bedford streets lined with gracious Manor homes. His greatest thrill was seeing his wife and business partner featured in Builder Magazine, as the first woman ever to reach national prominence in the industry.
Most people would find two careers and six kids a full life's work, but Bob was so much more. He was a champion sailor, hockey player, ballroom dancer, water and snow skier, history buff, big band enthusiast, and practical joker. He refinished antique Chris-Crafts, built magical kingdoms for his kids in the basement, and brought home mini bikes, boats, scooters, go-carts and juke boxes. He built a cabin cruiser from scratch and vacation homes - one a national award winner - at Lake Winnipesaukee. Bob and Estella travelled around the world including Ireland, Egypt, England, France, Alaska, Greece, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and more.
Bob's service to his community included state and national posts with the National Association of Homebuilders, volunteer with Rebuilding Together and the United Way, Republican activist for both Bush for President campaigns, Bob and Elizabeth Dole's campaigns, and countless others, CCD teacher, youth sports coach and benefactor to the Bedford Library and Playground building campaigns. A devout Catholic, he was a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Charles Borromeo Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Cynthia (Steve) Sauter, David (Kim) Hughes, Pamela (Chuck) Patenaude, Kevin (Patricia) Hughes, Lisa (Bobby) Berge, and John (Pamm) Hughes; and grandchildren Rob, Matt, Doug, Kristen, Greg, Caitlin, Meghan, Jennifer, Eileen, Abigail, Christina, Brianna, Jack, Ashleigh, Ryan, Morgan, Nicholas, and Arianna. He is also survived by his brother in law, former Manchester Mayor John Mongan, and sister in law Hellen Gallup. He has joined his parents and his siblings Edward and Rita in Heaven.
Bob has left behind a legacy of love and gratitude. He was cared for throughout his illness by his daughter Lisa and was surrounded in his last days by every member of his family. Most importantly, he has left a promise to his wife Estella that their love affair (in his words) "is a flame to burn through eternity" and in Heaven too he would hold her hand. His last words to her were "I love you".
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, October 26, 2012 in the Abbey Church at St. Anselm College. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Monastery at Saint Anselm College; Saint Anselm Abbey, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102.