BRADLEY BEACH – Robert J. Hughes, a former Bradley Beach police officer and firefighter, had a large personality.
On Sat., July 6, his son and daughter — Andrew Hughes of Bradley Beach and Cynthia Hughes-Dunphy of Wall — are organizing a local memorial service for Hughes, whose residence was in Basking Ridge, Somerset County, when he died at 70 May 7. Saturday’s service is at 11 a.m. at the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension, 501 Brinley Ave., Bradley Beach.
“Not many people really knew my father passed away,” said Hughes-Dunphy, 44. “We’re having this service to celebrate his larger-than-life personality.”
A reception at the church is to follow the service.
“My dad was a real cop’s cop,” Hughes-Dunphy said.
Hughes had served as a Bradley Beach police officer and as an investigator with the state Attorney General’s Office. Hughes also had served as Bradley Beach fire chief.
Hughes died at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.