PROSPECT HARBOR – Robert C. Hughes, 82, died peacefully Jan. 17, 2012, at his home after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 9, 1929, in Yonkers, N.Y., but spent much of his growing years with his grandparents in Pittsfield.
After graduation from Maine Central Institute in 1948, he joined the U.S. Navy submarine service. He served 22 years in the Navy and retired as a lieutenant commander. His military career was exclusively in and around nuclear submarines. He was privileged to be one of the first crew members to serve aboard the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, USN 571, which was launched in January 1954, and commissioned in September that same year. Decommissioned in 1980, Nautilus is now berthed at the submarine museum in Groton, Conn. After retiring from the military, Mr. Hughes settled in 1970 in Prospect Harbor, where he tried his hand at lobster fishing, and he pursued that endeavor for almost four years. He also served with the volunteer fire department for a brief period of time. In 1976 he built a hobby shop, where he made many lovely carvings for friends and family. He did make a few signs for businesses around town. For example “The Prospect Harbor Women’s Club,” “Anderson Hardware,” “The West Bay Florist” and the “Memorial Gardens” sign for Schoodic Animal Hospital, as well as signs for private persons. He loved his hobby shop, Maine and all his beloved dogs.
Mr. Hughes was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Lillias Hughes; his brother, F. William Hughes; sister, Denise Hughes; and his son, Michael Hughes, in September 2009. He is survived by many friends and family, including his wife of 58 years, Pauline Hughes; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Hughes of Onset, Mass., and Ryan Hughes of New Bedford, Mass.
A simple burial will be held at Prospect Harbor Cemetery under the direction of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. Donations may be made to Hancock County Homecare and Hospice, Blue Hill. Condolences may be sent at
www.bragdonkelley.com.