Port Washington lost an authentic "one of a kind" hero on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008. Joseph M. Hughes, "Big Joe" to many of his friends, was a 21 year resident of Port Washington. He was also affectionately known as "Bad News Hughes" to his legions of friends at the Plandome Country Club in Manhasset, and the fine establishments he frequented in New York, across the U.S. and in Ireland. One of his favorites, Finn Mac Cool's on Main Street in Port Washington, has been the site of enthusiastic reminiscing since Joe passed away peacefully Nov. 3. Proprietor Connie O'Reilly said all at his restaurant were saddened at the loss of such a remarkable man and a regular at Finns where he would have a reserved seat at the corner of the bar where he appeared to be holding court-there was always a crowd around him.

Mr. Hughes owned and ran several successful graphic arts companies, Nassau Photo-Engraving on Long Island and Belvedere Graphics in New York, Richmond and Roanoke, Virginia for many years before retiring. He was passionately loved by all generations, and remembered as a proud veteran. He was seriously wounded defending his beloved country at the Battle of the Bulge, the decisive but costly battle leading to the end of WWII. He was also best friend, mentor, "father, grandfather and great-grandfather" to the Schlaefer, Hill, and McAuley families and "Uncle Joe" to so many others. Hughes was known as a consummate gentleman for his sense of humor and generosity. And, he always helped people in need.

Joe Hughes leaves behind a sister-in-law, wife of his brother Richard (deceased), and their four children, Rick, Joe, Jerry and Kathy, all of Atlanta, Georgia. A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter of Alcantara R.C. Church in Port Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to his favorite charity, the Physically Challenged Irish and American Youth Team, 7 Dey St., NY 10007 http://pcirishteam.org (checks payable to PC Irish Team). Joe Hughes will be greatly missed by all - his legend and spirit will live forever!

Lois Kuchman Williams, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Oct. 17, 2008 after bravely confronting Parkinson's disease for many years. Lois, an only child, was born April 1, 1928, in St. Albans, Queens, New York to Jennie and Harold H. Kuchman. She graduated from Manhasset High School in 1945, and from The University of Rochester in 1949. While at The University of Rochester, Lois met her husband and the love of her life, James B. Williams. They were married on July 30, 1949, in Manhasset, and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they lived in Garden City, New York, and York, Pennsylvania before moving to Dallas, Texas in 1955. While dedicating her life to her husband and children, Lois Williams was also involved in many local activities and organizations. She was known and admired for her devotion to her family, her friends, her church, and her community. She is survived by her loving husband, James Bowman Williams, her five children, Linda Williams Rush and husband Robert H. Rush of Frankfort, Kentucky; James Bowman Williams, Jr. and wife Mary R. Williams of San Antonio; Cynthia Williams Beecherl and husband Louis A. Beecherl, III of Dallas; Jayne Williams Bass and husband W. David Bass of Dallas; and Margaret Williams Kuykendall and husband Marshall E. Kuykendall of Austin; her grandchildren, Cynthia R. Yeiser and husband Jordan, Robert Rush, Campbell Williams and wife Anne, Alan Williams and wife Amanda, Bowman Williams, Arthur Beecherl, Rebecca Beecherl, Ben Beecherl, Edward Beecherl, Nancy Bass, Wade Bass, Jim Bass, Henry Bass, Wylie Kuykendall, and Jennie Kuykendall; and by great-grandson Campbell Williams. The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care given by caregivers Virginia Hunter and Sharon Sinclair, and for the excellent care provided by the staff of Faith Presbyterian Hospice. A Memorial Service celebrating her life was held Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Highland Park Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Scates and Rev. Dr. Sherwood M. Strodel officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Highland Park Presbyterian Church Foundation, 3821 University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205, or Faith Presbyterian Hospice, 6100 Colwell Blvd., Ste. 225, Irving, TX 75039.