Dr. Cornelius Neal Hughes
April 30, 1935 ~ November 16, 2008
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Dr. Cornelius 'Neal' Hughes
Born in Glenavy, Northern Ireland, April 30th 1935, Neal passed away November, 16th 2008, in Pueblo, CO. He was preceded in death by brother Sean and is survived by wife, Patricia; sons, Kieran (Melanie) Hughes and Brian (Heather) Hughes; daughter, Maura (Gene) Keller; sister, Eileen McCann; brother, Jim Hughes; and grandchildren, Angie, Kevin, Fiona and Kira.
Neal lived a life of education as a student, a teacher and as an author. He completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy/Theology, at Catholic seminaries in Dublin and County Kilkenny, Ireland, and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Sociology, California State University at Northridge, in 1969, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Pennsylvania State University in 1976. In 1976, he moved to Colorado and became a professor of Sociology at the University of Southern Colorado where he taught for 25 years. He taught with a passion and a signature flare, becoming a favorite among students and faculty until his retirement in 2001.
Neal's life journey took him from Northen Ireland to South Africa; Washington D.C. to Maryland; and from the coasts of California to the Mountains of Colorado. In all his travels and accomplishments, Neal was a lifelong learner, ever seeking to increase his knowledge. He remained a student to the end. Services will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, in Rye, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, with Msgr. Marvin J. Kapushion as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Rye. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fr. Roger Dorcy Cancer Center or to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
He is loved and will be greatly missed.
Dear Pat, Kieran, Brian, Mara and extended Hughes Family,
It is with such sadness that I learned of Neils passing. I cherish the wonderful memories of him as a dedicated Professor, Catholic and Great friend from Rye. He is a great and highly respected person that reminds me of growing up in the Greenhorn Valley and St. Aloysius, as well as serving at the church with Kieran. Neil was so gentle, thoughtful, sincere, and polite, he is really a gold standard for all. I will never forget him or all of you. Your family is in my family’s prayers. With all my Love.
Luis Valerio Jr. (Louis)
What an impact he had on everyone who met him! One of my favorite people ever. The world was better with him in it.
Pat & Family,
I am so sorry that I was unable to attend the services.
I carry you, as always, in my heart and am sending you my love and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in the coming days. Love you all. Take Care.
Dear Auntie Pat and cousins
My father was Sean Hughes, Neals older brother. I didnt really know my uncle Neal,only meeting on several ocasions. If he was as great as my father he will be dearly missed.There was nothing i couldnt ask my fathers advice on as he also had great knowledge on most things.The world has lost two wonderful men who meant a great deal to their families.Uncle Neal was buried on my dads sixth aniversary which made the day even more sadder.w3
I have always had the utmost respect for Dr.Hughes as a man of integrity, honor,and wisdom… a man filled with kindness and goodwill. His life was a gift to those lucky enough to know him. My deepest condolences to you – he will be greatly missed.
Wishing you comfort at this difficult time– I knew Dr. Hughes from his library visits and will miss his kindness and gentle manner. He always treated everyone well.
Dear Pat and Family,
Boy, how many times did we all sing “Mary Had a Baby”? We had lots and lots of fun! You and Neal were the reason I got involved in the Church!
With Love,
Valerie
Brian, you and your family are in my thoughts during this most difficult time. My deepest sympathy, Mary Moses
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Hughes as my teacher at USC in the early 80’s and I never forgot his smile and how he would capture everyones attention. He was such a kind and gentle soul. I have thought of him often throughout the years. I feel lucky to have known him. God Bless
Kieran,
Our condolences go out to you and your family. I know it’s been awhile since we talked and I apologize but please know you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jon Kinnischtzke
Dear Pat and family,
My sincerest condolences to all of you on the loss of such a great man. I have many wonderful memories of Neal from all those years spent at St. Aloysius. Pat, the both of you brought much joy to many families. He will truly be missed.
Kieran,
I was saddened to learn of your father’s passing. As you know, I think he was a wonderful educator and person. His zest for life was apparant and contagious. Your father understood that learning should be an enjoyable experience. His sense of humor and quick wit always had me looking forward to his classes. He will be missed by many.
May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Julie Youngblood & family
Dear Ken, Melanie, Kevin and Kira: Kristen, Michaela and I want to express our sadness at the loss of your father and grandfather. I was privileged to have Dr. Hughes as a professor in several classes and he was an absolute favorite and such a kind soul. It is obvious where Kira gets her sweet spirit. You will all remain in our prayers during this difficult time.
All our love, Johnna, Kristen and Michaela
I am a former student of Dr Hughes. I am sorry to hearing of his passing. I have thought of him often over the years since I graduated from USC and continue to have fond memories of him. My sympathy to his family. He touched many lives and will be missed.
Dear Pat & family; Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband/father. We will surely miss him. Our prayers are with you all.
Luis & Bernice Valerio
May God watch over you in your time of sorrow. Neal was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you in his love and mercy.
Dear Pat and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Neal’s passing. Neal was the reason I changed my major to Sociology at USC. I will never forget his sly smile and side-way glances, whether they be from the front of the classroom or standing beside me singing (probably off-key) in the guitar group at St. Aloysius. Please know you are all in my toughts and prayers.
With love,
Shawna (Flowers) Marshall
Dear Brian, please know that your friends at Envision keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your father rest in eternal peace forever, Amen.
Sincerely, Kate
Our deepest sympathies for you and your family. The good Lord will accept Neal with open arms.
Terry & Sue Terrill