Michael Patrick Hughes

Clover SC: Age 79, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Rock Hill SC, at Piedmont Hospital. Michael was born and raised in Elmira, a son of the late Martin and Noella (Smith) Hughes. He is also predeceased by his brother Daniel Hughes.

Michael is survived by his wife Theresa Mele Hughes; daughters, Joy and Colleen; siblings, James (Barbara) Hughes, Annette (Charles) Wands, Karen (Richard Clark) McKay, John (Mary) Hughes, Mary Anne Hughes, Timothy (Theresa) Hughes, Martin (Mary) Hughes, William (Joan) Hughes, Thomas (Fawn) Hughes; grandchildren, Becky, Patrick and Audrey; sister-in-law Carolee Hughes; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike was a person who probably told you a joke before he knew your name. He liked to start a conversation with a laugh. Mike spent his youth in a neighborhood of large families and with ten siblings he lived in a house full of people and activity. During his whole life he sought that camaraderie wherever he was. Mike and Theresa met in junior high school and married after high school. They have two girls, Joy and Colleen. Mike always said he was outnumbered by the girls, at home. As the years went on, he had three wonderful grandchildren, Becky, Patrick and Audrey. Although over the years moving for his work kept him away, he was devoted to his family and siblings. They were always first in his heart. After high school he spent 23 years in the Navy Reserves, with three years on active duty. Like most navy vets he traveled to many countries. He found his career path when working for GE Medical Equipment, installing monitoring and radiology systems in hospitals. He continued that work for the Veterans Administration, working out of the Washington D.C. area. Upon his retirement Mike had been to most VA Hospitals in the United States and retired as Senior Medical Program Analyst and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director of Patient Care Services. Mike enjoyed being on the VA softball team and bowling team. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. His favorite hunting memories were those shared with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends on the family farm of Dwayne and Sandy Holdridge in upstate New York. There was beauty beyond compare and sharing beyond measure at their home. One of Mike’s favorite pastimes was golf. However, it was a love/hate relationship, but he kept on trying! Mike was involved with the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, a non-profit supporting naval enlisted, from the 1980’s until his passing. He went from member to officer and wrote monthly articles for the association’s magazine. The articles kept the enlisted up to date on legislation affecting them. Mike regularly attended the Military Coalition meetings to advocate for NERA and navy enlisted, to those on Capitol Hill. In honoring and remembering Mike, please support veteran non-profits in any way possible.

Services for Mike will be held at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. Interment, with military honors, will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn National Cemetery.