Lawrence Michael Hughes, 73, a Hudson Valley legend, died on May 6, 2018 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.

Born in New York City on August 6, 1944, he was the son of Michael and Elizabeth Hughes. He proudly served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, and wrote the first non-fiction serviceman’s account of the war that was published in 1970.

Following the war, Larry moved from New York City to the Hudson Valley in 1968 and worked in local radio for two years before joining the Poughkeepsie Journal for a 32 year career. Although he officially “retired”, he continued to write his column until the time of his death. Throughout his career, he was the recipient of many awards including the Associated Press and Gannett News Service writing awards.

After a short stint as a local morning radio talk show host, he worked for St. Francis Hospital, now MidHudson Regional Hospital, as the public relations coordinator for the Communications Department for 12 years. While there, he produced and hosted three weekly radio programs “Ask the Doctor/Ask the Nurse” that were broadcast throughout the Hudson Valley.

Larry relocated to Arizona for several years to write a book. An avid baseball fan, he was happy to be there to watch and write about the Cactus League Spring Training Baseball. He also never missed the Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown.

Following his retirement, Larry’s love for the community and the Hudson Valley continued. He served on the Boards of several community organizations including Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District, and Mental Health America of Dutchess County. Larry was the recipient of many special awards for his service.

Larry is survived by his sister Betty (Joe) Hedgecock; his niece Marybeth (Tim) Heyden; his nephews Joe (Dawn) Hedgecock and Greg Hedgecock; and 7 grandnieces Caitlin, Rachael, Emily, Erin, Amanda, Courtney and Elizabeth.

A Celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 2-4pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. Burial will be private.

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the following organizations that Larry worked with over the years: Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley (www.literacyconnections.org), Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District (www.poklib.org), or Mental Health America of Dutchess County (www.mhadutchess.org). Please visit Larry’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.