Gomer William Hughes Jr.

Gomer William Hughes Jr., 76, of East Hartford, CT, loving husband of 20 years of Donna (Donafrio) Hughes, journeyed Home on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford, CT on March 6, 1944, he was the son of Helen (Brown) Hughes of Panama City Beach, FL and the late Gomer William Hughes Sr. who died in 1999. Gomer was a resident of East Hartford for most of his life and was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1962. Gomer was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard and a member of the local American Legion. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years by Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford as a Computer Tech. He enjoyed making model wood airplanes, golfing, cooking, and loved sitting outside on his front porch and telling amazing stories to his grandchildren. He was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

Along with his beloved wife and mother, Gomer is survived by his sister, Marjorie Parker of Panama City Beach, FL; a son, Steven Hughes and his wife Christine of Rancho Cordova, CA; a daughter, Jennifer Conway and her husband Barry of South Weymouth, MA; cousins Douglas Gilmore and wife Lorraine, Robert Gilmore and wife Arlene Zacher all of Panama City Beach, FL; former spouse, Elly Hughes of Hingham, MA; nephews, Michael Best, Scott de Ruyter, Charlie Johannes, William Parker III; nieces, Tineke Tellier, Anneke Tellier, Erica Burden, Kelly Battistini, Monica de Ruyter, Elizabeth Lasher, Jessica Johannes, Gretchen Bolin, Laura Johannes, Amy Tierney; grandchildren Kalen Hughes, Larin Hughes, Talyn Hughes, Katie Conway, and Emily Conway. He will also be missed by his special granddaughter, Fantasia Trotter of East Hartford who was his compassionate caregiver; his best friend, Lawrence Chaves of West Hartford; and numerous step children, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Gomer was predeceased by his cousin, Edwin "Rick" Gilmore, Jr. in 1995; and nephews, James K. Best in 2018 and Richard “Rick” de Ruyter in 2020.

Due to the current health crisis, his family plans to have a Celebration of Gomer’s Life in Panama City Beach, FL in 2021. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Gomer’s family will receive relatives and friends at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Saturday (July 25, 2020) from 10 am to 12 noon. Everyone is asked to please wear a face covering and adhere to all the guidelines that are required during the COVID-19 virus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gomer’s name may be made to the Windsor Independent Living Association, 45 Maple Street, Windsor, CT 06095. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.