Michael J. Hughes, born August 28, 1925 in Newark, N.J., passed away on December 11, 2013. He raised his family in Union Township before relocating to the Jersey Shore, Eatontown, in 1989. Mike graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep School and was a standout baseball player. In 1943 he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and was assigned to the USS Spencer. His service included escorting convoys to the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. After the Invasion of Normandy, the Spencer was sent to the Pacific as an Amphibious Communications Ship. Proud of his military service, he was Honorably Discharged in 1946. Upon completing his military service, he became a highly decorated Police Officer in the city of Newark, New Jersey. He retired from Newark PD after serving twenty-five years, the last twenty as a Detective. Following his career in Newark, he continued his work in public service as a Detective with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, working numerous homicide and sexual assault cases. After serving thirteen years with the Prosecutor’s Office, he retired and continued to work investigations for private law firms and insurance companies. He was an active member in numerous civic organizations including, the New Jersey Patrolman’s Benevolent Association of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Fraternal Order of Police local 12 in Newark, Retired Police and Fire Association of Essex County Local 1, and the Retired and Disabled Police of America. In addition he was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 711 in Bloomfield, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Fort Monmouth Chapter, and member of the USS Spencer Coast Guard Association. Mike was an avid sports fan but favored the Giants and Yankees. He enjoyed spending time with his six children and four grandchildren near the water. In addition he cherished sharing a drink and a story with old friends and new acquaintances. Predeceased by his wife, Doreen Lawrie Hughes, who passed away in 1984 and brother, Edward, who passed away in 2010. He’s survived by six children; (daughters) Carol Mayfield and her husband John, Michele Alfano and her husband Natale, (sons) Michael V., Kevin, Colin and his wife Nelly and Bryan; he also leaves behind four grandchildren; Danielle, Alexandra, Kyle and Caitlyn, sister-in-law, Mary Hughes and her six children; Colleen, Edward, Kieran, Cory, Barry and Brian. Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, December 16 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Tilghman Funeral Home 52 Main Street New Egypt, NJ 08533. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at 10:00 am at The Church of Assumption, 28 Monmouth Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. Interment will follow in the Brig. General WC Doyle Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association. Donation information can be found on the website: http://www.heart.org