ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel John Hughes, Terenure, Dublin 6, peacefully on 21st June 2024, in the presence of his loving family and in the excellent care of the staff of Beacon Hospital. Predeceased by his wife Evelyn and son Karl. Father of Ronan, Dervila, Norman and Paula. He will be dearly missed by his eight loving grandchildren, Shane, Frankie, Emma, Julianne, Ciara, Mark, Kayla and Jamie, sisters Ailish and Patricia, brother Frank, daughters-in-law Rosie and Siobhan, sons-in-law Tony and Emmet, sister-in-law Liz, brother-in-law Michael, nieces, nephews, extended family, Defence Forces comrades and his many friends.
Rest in Peace
John Anthony Hughes was born in Dublin on 11th June 1934. He was educated at St Mary’s College, Rathmines and completed a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at UCD. His first employment was with Shorts Brothers aircraft manufacturers in Belfast. John was commissioned into the Defence Forces in 1960 as an Aeronautical Engineer officer and was posted to Technical Wing. He undertook several specialist training courses including a year-long Electrical and Instrument Course at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell.
In the 1970s, a decade of fleet modernisation for the Air Corps, John set up Avionics Squadron with responsibility for the maintenance of aircraft electrical, instrument and electronic systems. He was closely involved with the introduction into service of the SF260 Marchetti training aircraft, the Beechcraft Kingair 200 maritime patrol and transport aircraft, the first “Government Jet” (the HS125-700B), and was the acceptance officer in 1981 for the leased SA330J Puma helicopter. John played a key role in the introduction of the Dauphin helicopters into service in the mid-1980s, and the CASA CN235 maritime patrol aircraft which arrived in 1994. In his later years of military service he was appointed as Senior Technical Staff Officer in Air Corps Headquarters and Officer Commanding Engineering Wing. John was a marvellous mentor for those officers and technicians who were fortunate enough to work with him.
John retired from the Air Corps in 1998 and was appointed an Inspector of Accidents in the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport. This was a role he was ideally suited for given his vast experience and attention to detail. He eventually retired from the AAIU in his 70s.
A familiar figure on the Defence Forces’ pilgrimage to Lourdes each May, John quietly organised funds for many causes through his charity golf events. A consummate family man, a talented rugby player in his younger days, and a keen golfer at Edmondstown Golf Club, he remained a loyal supporter of Mary’s and Leinster rugby.
Reposing at Fanagan’s Funeral Home, Willbrook Road, Rathfarnham on Monday evening (24th June 2024) from 4.30 pm to 7.00 pm for family and friends. Removal on Tuesday morning (25th June 2024) to the Church of Saint Joseph, Terenure to arrive for 9.45 am reception. Funeral Mass at 10.00 am followed by burial at Mount Venus Cemetery. The Funeral Mass may also be viewed through the parish web camera at the following link: https://stjosephsterenure.com/live-mass/
House private. No flowers please, donations, if desired, to https://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com/
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of John’s death notice on rip.ie – https://rip.ie/death-notice/john-hughes-dublin-terenure-560174
