Lawrence J. (Larry) Hughes

Coach Lawrence J. Hughes (88) rounded third base and crossed home plate May 11, 2023. He is predeceased by his parents Earl and Catherine (Mahardy) Hughes Sr. and his brothers Harold, Leon and Earl Hughes Jr., the love of his life, his wife, Sharon (Maury) Hughes and a daughter in law Brenda (Reynolds) Hughes. 

Coach Hughes taught for Herkimer Senior High School Coach Hughes attended Herkimer schools graduating in 1952 then attending Bowling Green State University graduating in 1956.  He received a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957. 

He is survived by his starting lineup, his daughter Deborah and Dennis Miller of Wyoming, Delaware, his sons Philip and Alleyne (Gagliardi) Hughes of Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts, Scott and Cheri (Talarico) Hughes of Herkimer and Daniel and Lisa (Stulmaker) Hughes of Delmar New York.  On deck he had his five beloved granddaughters, Laura (Miller) and Jason Haxton, Sarah (Miller) and Ralph McDougall, Drew-Andrea (Miller) and Joseph Balcerak all of Delaware, Talyor (Hughes) and Nick Nelson of Acushnet Massachusetts and Madison (Hughes) and Jesse Straus of Norwalk Connecticut.  His team was completed with eight great grandchildren, Wyatt and Garrett McDougall, Joseph Balcerak Jr., Lucille and Sydney Haxton, Hughes and Baker Straus and Adalynn Nelson.  The families exchange student from Japan, Hiromi (Nishimura) Kanae, better known as Harry, always called him dad and sent letters that he loved to receive.

He taught in the Herkimer Central School District from 1957 to 1986 and was the Athletic Director from 1986 to 1994. He taught Physical Education and Swimming as well as coached many Varsity Sports.  He had many championship teams in Baseball, Football and Winter Sports.  He also coached the Herkimer American Legion Baseball Team.  His 1980 Legion Team were New York State Champions.  He was honored with introduction into the Mohawk Valley Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 with his 1980 Legion Team.    He served as the Village of Herkimer Trustee and various village committees.  He is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Herkimer Elks Club. He was a member of the NYSPHYS Baseball Committee serving as Chairman of the State Baseball Tournament. He was a Public-School Basketball Official.  When he retired, he enjoyed playing a lot of golf at the Mohawk Valley Country Club. 

He has touched many young men lives through his coaching and mentoring.  In these men his character will be taught to others.  He will also live on as Dad, Grandpa and GGp and Coach. 

In keeping with Coach’s wishes funeral services and burial at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, will be private and held at the convenience of his family. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.

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