David F. Hughes
David F. Hughes, 84, of Greenwich, CT, passed away on Monday, January 30th, 2023, at his home in Florida.
David was born in June of 1938 to Sylvester W. Hughes and Mary J. McGrath in Manhattan, NY.
David proudly served our country in the United States Coast Guard for four years (two active, two reserve), stationed at the USCG base in Staten Island, NY.
Following his honorable discharge from the USCG, David became a police officer with the Greenwich Police Dept. in 1960. It was in Greenwich that he met Sandra Marie Whittingham, a nurse at Greenwich Hospital. David and Sandra were married in 1962 and had five children.
David had an illustrious and storied career with the Greenwich Police Department. While serving as a policeman, he attended the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He was the first police arson investigator to work collaboratively with the Fire Department’s Fire Marshall. In 1972, he was awarded the Dr. John A. Clarke Award for “courageous performance of duty exemplifying the highest traditions of law enforcement.” That same year, at the Fairfield County Detective Conference, David received a Citation for Valor for displaying “remarkable fearlessness and persistence in a situation fraught with grave personal danger.”
He spent his life protecting and serving in both the public and private sectors. When he retired from the Greenwich Police Dept. as a detective in 1984, he had served the town for 24 years. David was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a board member for the Retired Policemen’s Association of Greenwich (RPAOG). The years that followed his retirement from the police force all included safety and protection. He opened a private investigation firm, was head of security for a major movie/TV network, and his last position was that of bodyguard/transport for CEO of CP in NYC until he retired on his birthday at the age of 70.
After his wife’s passing, he met his partner Cinci with whom he created many happy memories as they traveled the world on their favorite cruise line. Together they enjoyed a variety of destinations- the tropics, Panama Canal, Alaskan wildlife and many more. Over their 81 cruises together, the ships’ staff and officers became their extended family.
David loved kayaking on the Long Island Sound and at Montauk, NY. He taught his children and grandchildren to kayak as well.
He certainly loved his dogs!
David was known for his great wit and generosity amongst all who knew him.
David is survived by his partner of 13 years, Cinci; his five children: Mark (Annemarie), Christopher (Charity), Dana Marie (Mark), Maureen and David; his 11 grandchildren: Philip (Andrea), Jonathan, Carter, Peter, Matthew, Ian, Sara, Hannah, Evan, Aaron, and Cameron; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Sandra and his six siblings: Marion, John, Warren, Kathleen, Josephine, and Vivian.
A Funeral Mass will be held in the Spring at St. Mary Church, 178 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT.