Raymond J. Hughes

Raymond J. Hughes, 73 years of age, of Tamaqua Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in Coaldale, Pennsylvania surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania he was the son of the late Raymond G. and Mildred (Krynok) Hughes. He was preceded in death by niece Anna Kostura and son-in-law Kenneth Smith.

Surviving are his beloved wife Carol (Fabritz) Hughes; his loving daughters, Sheri Smith and Kimberly Davison; cherished sister, Mary Kostura, her husband David, nephew David and niece Angela and great nephews.

A graduate of Marian Catholic High School class of 1970, Ray was a devout Catholic and a member of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church in Tamaqua. A highly sought after and proud dragline operator of 54 years, he worked for Lehigh Anthracite until two months ago. Ray learned his trade under the guidance of his father, whom he deeply admired, starting as an oiler on his father’s rig before becoming an operator himself. While the sheer scale of those massive machines are hard to comprehend unless seen in person, Ray controlled the dragline with the precision of a surgeon. He shared his operating expertise with many in the strip mining field as well as several US and international groups. He was mentored by many fine men who had worked in the mines and he would lovingly share those stories. Ray returned that kindness by offering his training, mentorship and friendship to the younger generation. His professionalism and strong work ethic is passed down to his friends and family. He spoke very fondly of his current group of co-workers. Ray loved his mining career and a perfect day included enjoying an early sunrise over the mountain while lowering the bucket from the boom and maneuvering the gears and pedals on his shovel. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America and served for many years as a shop steward.

Ray leaves behind a legacy of deep love and devotion to family and friends. A lifelong Tamaqua resident, he took pride in maintaining his home on the east end of town. His hobbies included designing and building model draglines, traveling with his family, decorating for Christmas and being a die-hard Minnesota Viking fan. Ray cherished his lifelong friends and was known to be a patient and present listener. He was a social member of the Tamaqua American Legion and the East End Fire Company.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

A visitation will take place Thursday morning November 19, 2026 at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. A mass of Christian Burial in honor of Ray will take place on Thursday morning at 11:00 A.M. at St John XXIII R.C.C. 309 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

Interment will be in the St. Jerome R.CC. Cemetery, Tamaqua Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to St John XXIII Church.

A special thank you to the caring staff, nurses and doctors at St Luke’s.

Online condolences or a fond memory of Ray may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com .