Joseph Michael Hughes

Joseph M. Hughes, 84, of San Pedro, CA passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023. Born on May 27, 1938, in Los Angeles, he was the youngest child of Michael and Mary Hughes, both of whom immigrated to the United States from Ireland.

Joe attended Westchester High School but joined the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating. He proudly served his country for three years with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. After his military service, he returned to Los Angeles and finished high school at George Washington Adult School, earning his diploma with the help of his brother-in-law.

Joe worked for the Department of Water and Power and later for the City of Los Angeles in the Bureau of Street Lighting. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW) and served as a shop steward. He married his beloved wife Magdalena (Maggie) Badilla on June 24, 1978, and together they raised three children.

Joe had a love for dogs and enjoyed spending time in his retirement working in his yard, tending to his many rose bushes, and planting tomatoes and peppers. He also enjoyed meeting up with his groups of friends, “The Coffee Clutch” and the “Liars Club,” for breakfast at Happy Diner 2 or Eat at Rudy's.

Prior to his battle with congestive heart failure in later years, Joe was a Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer survivor. He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Hughes; brother, John P. Hughes; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Richard Gant; niece, Shannon Gant; and grandson, Diego Prieto. He is survived by his wife, Maggie; daughters Tima Prieto (Chris) and Brigid Hughes (Shawn Baune); son, Josh Hughes (Jodie); four grandchildren, Kiana, Alexis, Jadynne, and Joseph; and his nieces and nephews.

Joe will always be remembered for his strong work ethic, love for his family, loyalty, and his dry sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 4:30-8:00 pm, and funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00pm, at Green Hills Memorial Park, in Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mowat Wilson Syndrome Organization in Joe’s name. Mowat Wilson syndrome is a rare genetic condition that Joe's youngest granddaughter has.
https://mowat-wilson.org/