Gerald T. (Jerry) Hughes passed away peacefully on November 17, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.  He was 83.  Jerry is survived by Ruth Hughes, his loving wife of 62 years; son Gerald and daughter-in-law Jane of Brookline, MA; daughter Anne Marie Jakositz and son-in-law Joseph of Lanoka Harbor, N.J.; daughter Karen Hughes of Forked River, N.J.; son Thomas Hughes and daughter-in-law Elizabeth of West Orange, N.J.; and daughter Kathleen Biele and son-in-law Robert of Forked River, N.J.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother Gabriel Hughes and sister-in-law Lillian; brother James Hughes and sister-in-law Dorothy; and sister Clare Flannery.  He is predeceased by brothers Joseph, Frank, George and John and sisters Thecla, Mary, Winifred, and Rita.

Jerry was born on September 14, 1934 in Jersey City, NJ to parents Dolores and Francis X. Hughes. He was a life-long resident of New Jersey, living in Carteret, Forked River, Verona and, most recently, Whiting. He also maintained a summer residence in Cape May, NJ.

Jerry graduated from Dickinson High School in 1952; the New Jersey State Police Academy in 1963; and the Keeler Polygraph Institute, Chicago, in 1974.  He was a State Trooper in the New Jersey State Police for 25 years, retiring as a Detective Sergeant First Class.  Following his departure from the State Police, Jerry was employed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as an investigator, then founded his own private investigation firm, First Class Investigations.

Jerry was deeply involved with his large, extended family and enjoyed sports throughout his life. He was a tremendous high school and semi-professional baseball and basketball player and continued playing softball and bowling well into his 70s.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago Il 60607 would be appreciated.

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