David R Hughes

David R. Hughes, 73, of Machesney Park, took to the skies on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. David was born in Stevens Point, WI, on April 2, 1942; to parents, Nelson and Janet (Field) Hughes. He married his loving wife of 47 years, Anna M (Rajkowski) Hughes, on June 1, 1968; in Appleton, WI, at St. Theresa Catholic Church. David worked for Sentry Insurance as Chief Pilot and Aviation Manager for 32 years. David loved flying, and anything that went into the air. He received his pilot license at the age of 16, and soloed his first flight at 14. David was the youngest pilot in Wisconsin for many years, and the youngest Chief Pilot in the nation for many years, at the age of 30.
David is survived by his wife, Anna M. Hughes; son, Todd (Katerina, MD) Hughes; grandchildren, Anna and Joseph Hughes; brother, Andrew Hughes; and several nieces and nephews. David is predeceased by his parents.

Funeral Mass will be 11 am, Friday, June 12, 2015, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford, IL, 61109, with a visitation at church starting at 9:30 am, until time of prayers at 10:45 am. A recitation of the Rosary, 4pm, Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s honor, to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL, 61102. Funeral arrangements have been cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108.