William Donovan Hughes

William Donovan Hughes passed away on Sunday, January 5th, 2026, 5 days after his 82nd birthday and 11 days before his 50th wedding anniversary. He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, their daughter Marjorie, a teacher of art in Yonkers, and a brother, Dr. Richard Hughes, of Sacramento, California. His stepson, Christopher Olson of Conifer, Colorado and his sister, Patricia Hughes of Wilmington, Delaware predeceased him.

Bill was born to Donovan & Irene Sturgill Hughes in Moline, Illinois. He lived in several states and on three continents. His father was an engineer who helped build many bridges and roads including a portion of the Garden State Parkway and a dam outside Caracas, Venezuela. Bill and his two older siblings relocated several times to Montclair, N.J. which he came to think of as home. In their thirties Bill and Patricia refurbished homes long before 'flipping houses' was a household phrase.

Bill attended Michigan State majoring in history. He served in the US Air Force as an x-ray technician. He was exposed to Agent Orange which led to COPD, the ultimate cause of his death. He worked 42 years for IBM in various capacities, most recently in business forecasting. He volunteered at the Church in the Highlands, for Scout Troop 73, and as an AARP tax aide, all based in White Plains. He loved theatre, British mysteries, trains, airplanes, folk music, Motown, Doo-wop, science fiction and football. He was fondly known as 'Poppy' to family and friends. He was thrilled to move to the Knolls, a continuing care retirement community in Valhalla, NY in December of 2024 where he greatly enjoyed meeting residents and making new friends.

A Celebration of life service is planned the afternoon of January 31st at Ballard Durand on Maple Avenue in White Plains. Further information to follow on the Ballard Durand website. Donations may be made to the World Central Kitchen at www.wck.org.