William A. Hughes

Pottsville- William A. Hughes, 89, beloved father and grandfather, of Pottsville, passed away Thursday at Schuylkill Medical Center, South Jackson Street, Pottsville, surrounded by his loving family Born in Pottsville on May 19, 1920, he was a son of the late Joseph and Maggie Yeager Hughes. Bill attended Pottsville high School before being enlisted in the Army. He qualified as a sharpshooter and participated in the Normandy Invasion. He also saw action in the Rhineland and central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals. For many years Bill worked as an electrician for Charles "Slim" Knell and later for JB Electric. Although not formally educated, he had a craftsman's ability to do any project that came his way and loved any project his family gave him. Bill had a gentle spirit and lived a simple life with never an unkind word but always a positive attitude. He most loved his two grandsons and nurturing them into adulthood was his biggest pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Hashin Hughes, who passed away in 1992; his brothers, Roy, Thomas, Horace and George; his sisters, Laura and Mildred. Bill is survived by his daughter, Melanie and son-in-law Rick Thornburg, of Pottsville; his two grandsons, Ryan Thornburg, of Philadelphia and Jesse Thornburg, fiance'Sara Reedy, of Philadelphia; his devoted caregiver and companion, Arlene Mahoney, of Pottsville. Graveside interment services will be held on Monday morning at 10:30 A.M. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The funeral procession will gather at 9:00 A.M on Monday morning at Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, In., 6th & West Market Streets, Pottsville. As an animal lover his whole life, memorial contributions in Bill's memory can be made to Ruth Steinert SPCA, 18 Wertz Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963.