Airman served in U.S. Navy during Vietnam War
Published in the March 18, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Ernest W. “Billy” Hughes Jr., a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 7 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital at age 69.
Born in Melrose on April 28, 1946, Bill was one of four children of Ernest W. Sr. and Camille M. (Taverna) Hughes. He was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and called Melrose home for most of his life. He proudly served his country as an airman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he became a dedicated longtime employee of Deering Lumber in Melrose. Billy was a charming man, a free spirit who loved his family and friends.
With any free time he had, Billy found the beach. During the summer, he would be soaking up the sun on his favorite rocky spot overlooking the ocean on Cape Hedge in Rockport. He lived for the beach, loved the sun and always had a tan. Bill also loved to eat and with his parents, opened Ernie’s Lunch on Franklin Street in 1971. They operated the diner for years and Billy designed the Ernie’s Lunch sign before they sold the business in 1985. He was longtime loyal friend of Petesy Morgan, Ed Fay, Donnie Lambert and the late George Cronin. He will be remembered for his love of the beach, the Red Sox, homemade Apple Pies, his patriotism and his love for his family and friends.
Bill was the loving husband of 22 years of Paula N. Penney. He was the beloved brother of Charles Hughes of Arizona and New Hampshire, Marilyn Hughes of Saugus and Sandra Cronin of Melrose. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and longtime friends.
Relatives and friends gathered to honor and celebrate Bill’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, March 11. Funeral Services were private. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
