Obituary: Bert Hughes, Musician And Civic Leader

Bert Hughes, a musician and philanthropist in Rockland County, died Aug. 16. He was 79.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our dear friend, Bert Hughes. Bert and his wife Chris have been like family to the Edward Hopper House Museum for decades," officials at the Edward Hopper House wrote in a statement. "Bert, along with Ray Wright, started Music in the Garden 43 years ago. At the time, Bert was a musician and director of music at Nyack High School, and the very first concert was the Nyack High School Band."

Hughes retired from Nyack High School in 1999, according to The Journal News.

A member of the Nyack Parks Commission, he coordinated the summer concerts in Memorial Park. He coordinated the annual Jazz Week with the Rockland County Jazz and Blues Society.

As well as being a civic leader in the arts, Hughes served on several housing boards. He and his wife were among the founders of Helping Hands. They were part of the Rockland Interfaith Breakfast Program, and they hosted a Christmas Day breakfast at the Nyack Senior Center with donations raised from a holiday brass band that performed carols in the village, The Journal News said. Read the full obituary on lohud.com.

"The outpouring of love for Bert is a testament to the generous work that he did for our community," museum officials said.

He is survived by his wife Christine; daughter, Marissa Alcala; and her husband, Ray, The Journal News said.

Calling hours are Friday August 18, 3-7 p.m. Friday and 2-6 p.m. Saturday at the Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 South Broadway, Nyack, NY.⁣

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave. ⁣

⁣In lieu of flowers, donations in celebration of Bert’s life may be made to Helping Hands of Rockland and Midnight Run.