Mark D. Hughes
LYNDONVILLE – Mark D. Hughes entered into rest peacefully on June 4, 2025, in the Hospice Unit of Orleans Community Health, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lockport, NY, on March 13,1950, the son of the late Harley H. and Rosemary (White) Hughes, he attended St. John’s School, DeSales High School, St. Bonaventure University, and Niagara University for a degree in English Education.
Mark began his teaching career for the Lyndonville Central School District in 1972 and nurtured a love for students and peers for over fifty-two years. His passion for coaxing the best out of everyone developed into a return of affection from the community. Many former students have said that they “wouldn’t have stayed in school if it weren’t for Mr. Hughes.” He was humbled by the nicknames “Mr. Lyndonville”, “Coach” and “Hugheser.”
Mark was passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community, which led to the honor of Orleans County Citizen of the Year. Additionally, the community’s nomination earned him the privilege of running in the Olympic Torch Relay for the 1996 Atlanta Games. He was a past member of the Lyndonville Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, served on the Yates Town Planning Board, Lyndonville Lions Club, including important roles with the Fourth of July fireworks, chicken barbecue and parade. Additionally, he was a Lector for St. Joseph’s and Holy Trinity Churches.
As a lover of sports, and lifelong Bills fan, Mark was an enthusiastic coach for a myriad of sports – football, soccer and basketball. However, he harbored an intense love for coaching baseball, something he did for over fifty years. Outside of coaching and teaching, Mark was also a Senior Class Advisor, Drama Director, and cafeteria monitor; all roles he relished as opportunities to cement lasting relationships with the students of LCS.
Throughout the years, he received many honors for his works, numerous sportsmanship awards, and several Coach of the Year awards, both at the league and sectional level. The students of Lyndonville recognized Mr. Hughes several times by dedicating the yearbook to him, as well as acknowledging him as the Teacher of the Year.
Left to carry on his legacy are his beloved wife of over fifty years, Virginia (Wolfe); his children, Katie (Patrick) Whipple, Chris (Anita) Hughes, Megan (Eric) Gremli and Bridget (Ryan) Demorest; and the lights of his life, his grandchildren: Jack and Elizabeth Whipple, Cole and Gavin Hughes, Addy, Sam, Ben and Maggie Gremli, and Riley, Maren and Wilder Demorest. Additionally, he is survived by his aunt, Catherine “Kiki” Hughes; siblings, Cheryl Hughes, Jeanine Shaw, Nancy (Marshall) Haney, Molly Pyc, Rosemary (William) Rausch, Amy Schwartz, Scott (Ardyth) Hughes and Jeremy (Jacquie) Hughes; as well as his in-laws, mother-in-law, Rita Wolfe; brother-in-law, Roger (Sandy) Wolfe; and sisters-in-law, Vickie Wolfe, Terri (John) Lubahn, Michele (Brad) Bokman and Kathy (Chris Noyse) Wolfe; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mark was known for his humor and stories. His loving knack to provide nicknames to those he met truly reflects that Mark never met a stranger. He lived life fully—with joy, generosity, and that unforgettable laugh. The passion he brought to everything was unmatched. Ever the teacher, Mark taught those left behind to hold true the universal concepts of family, faith, loyalty, humor, love, compassion and empathy. He valued hard work, and lived his life with zeal, endurance and grace.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the numerous people who have expressed support, prayers, help, and wonderful stories of Mark. It is a real testament to the person that Mark was and the legacy he has left.
“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love that they left behind.” Well done, good and faithful servant.
“Be good, do good, God bless, and…Go BILLS!” – Josh Allen
Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, June 12, from, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lyndonville High School Gymnasium, 25 Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY 14098.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity/St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St. Medina, NY 14103. (Please feel free to wear Bills or Lyndonville Tigers attire in honor of Mark.) Burial will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mark’s name to the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, made payable to the Lyndonville Central School District, 25 Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY 14098.
Arrangements were made through the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St. Lyndonville, NY 14098.
Please light a candle or share a memory of Mark at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.
