Joseph A. Hughes

Joseph Arthur Hughes, Jr. on October 22, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer, “Joe,” 76, of Venice, Florida (formerly Delmar, New York), passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife of 48 years by his side.

Joe was born in Albany on April 14, 1946, to Joseph Arthur Hughes, Sr., and Mary Brennan Hughes. Joe graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in 1964.  In 1966, following two years of college, together with his best friend, Lou Liuzzi, Joe voluntarily enlisted into the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Electronics Technician, deploying in combat aboard the USS Antelope during the Vietnam war.

After honorably serving his country, Joe returned to Albany to begin his career in law enforcement, first serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the Albany County Sheriff’s Department and then transferring to the City of Albany Police Department (APD) in 1972.  Joe was an original member of the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Police Unit.  He was later promoted to detective in the Special Investigations Unit.  After nearly 25 years of service to the Albany community, Joe retired from the APD and began a second career supporting the former New York State Department of Social Services as an Information Technology Consultant. After several years of service to the State, Joe demonstrated his dedication to the Albany Police Department by agreeing to return and serve as the department’s Quartermaster before finally retiring again with over 30 years of service to the city.

Joe was a founding member of Lodge # 14 of the Fraternal Order of Police, serving as treasurer from 1988-2012. He had a great love for boating, owning several boats throughout his life. He was a member of the Venice Sail and Power Squadron where he served as the Commander in 2012.  In addition, he was a member of the Patrol Gunboat Association, was licensed as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer, and received his Captain’s license from the United States Coast Guard.  Joe was very proud of his Irish heritage and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, but most of all, he was “Grandpa Joe” and “Papa”.  Joe was extremely proud of his children and all of their accomplishments, whether it was music or sports, or their careers.

Joe is the husband of Ann (“Nancy”) P. Hughes (Kelley), father of Moira Ann Mills (Sean) of St. Augustine, Florida, Patrick Joseph Hughes (Elisa) of Springfield, Virginia, and Brendan Christopher Hughes (Rebecca) of Delmar, New York. He was predeceased by his younger sister Suzanne H. Meher (Daniel), and he lives on through his younger brothers James B. Hughes of Albany, and Daniel P. Hughes (Linda Joyce) of Venice.  He is the cherished grandfather to Caitlin and Connor Mills, Aidan and Vivian Hughes, and Ethan, John, and Aaron Hughes. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nephews, and great nieces.

“Lord, give me the courage to face and conquer my fears.  Give me strength of body to protect others, and strength in spirit to lead them.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022, from 4PM – 7PM at the Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave, Colonie. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 9:30AM, at the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capital Hill, 10 Lodge St. Albany, NY 12207.  Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, in Menands, NY.

During his retirement, Joe supported and volunteered with the Venice Police Department’s efforts with the Special Olympics. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the “Venice Police Charities” in support of the annual Venice Shark Tooth Fishing Tournament for Athletes with Special Needs. Checks may be made out to “Venice Police Charities”, and addressed to the attention of Paul Joyce, Venice Police Department, 1575 East Venice Ave, Venice, FL, 34292.  Please include “Shark Tooth Fishing” in the memo line. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com