North Reading – Derwood Willis “Derry” Hughes Jr., 85, of North Reading MA and formerly of Whitman, MA died Thursday, November 2 at the Massachusetts General Hospital after a brief illness. Born, on January 29, 1932 in Monson, Maine Derry was the son of the late Derwood W. Sr. and Bessie (Wright) Hughes.
Derry graduated from Braintree High School in 1949 and following his service in the Army worked for the Boston Edison Company for 34 years eventually serving as a senior nuclear watch engineer at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth. Derry was a gentle and generous soul who found joy in life’s simple blessings whether it was watching the birds splashing in his birdbath, playing his organ or sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle. After his retirement from Boston Edison in 1991 he also loved to take trips in his RV with his “darling bride,” Germaine. He loved Christmas and Thanksgiving because of his faith and because it meant gathering together for grace filled moments of love and laughter with his family. Derry was a 63 year member of the First Congregational Church in Whitman and an associate member of the Union Congregational Church in North Reading. Because of his great faith he taught his children the three R’s: Reverence for God, respect for others and responsibility for yourself. His smile and unassuming manner meant that he was much loved by those who knew him.
Derry was married for 46 years to his wife Germaine (Berube) Hughes who predeceased him. Family members also include his son, the Rev. Dr. Richard A. Hughes of North Reading, daughter Sandra E. St. Louis and husband Maurice of Abbott, Maine and son Daniel E. Hughes and wife Jacqueline of Newport, ME; a sister Elizabeth Kling of Boscowen, NH; grandchildren Sabrina Erickson, Robert, Jeffrey, Kayeigh and Justin Hughes and great-grandson Owen Hughes as well as many nephews and nieces who also adored him.
Visiting hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA on Sunday, November 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Visiting hours will also be held at the Blanchard Funeral Home, 666 Plymouth Street, Whitman, MA on Tuesday, November 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. A service of sacred goodbyes celebrating Derry’s life and the promise of everlasting life will be held at the Whitman First Congregational Church, 519 Washington Street on Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864. www.CroswellFuneralHome.com