Worked for Boston Edison for 34 years
Published in the November 9, 2017 edition
NORTH READING — Derwood (”Derry”) Hughes Jr., 85, of North Reading, and formerly of Whitman, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 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. Following his service in the Army, Derry 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 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; his daughter Sandra E. St. Louis and her husband Maurice of Abbott, Maine; and son Daniel E. Hughes and wife Jacqueline of Newport, Maine. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Kling of Boscowen, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sabrina Erickson, Robert, Jeffrey, Kayeigh and Justin Hughes. He is also survived by his great-grandson Owen Hughes as well as many nephews and nieces who also adored him.
Visiting hours were held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, on Sunday, Nov. 5. Visiting hours were also held at the Blanchard Funeral Home, 666 Plymouth St., Whitman, on Tuesday, Nov. 7. A service of sacred goodbyes celebrating Derry’s life and the promise of everlasting life were held at the Whitman First Congregational Church, 519 Washington St. on Wednesday, Nov. 8. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, MA 01864. To sign the guestbook, visit www.CroswellFuneralHome.com.
