G. Arden Hughes

G. Arden (George) Hughes, of Meadville, PA passed away with his family by his side after several extended illnesses on Thursday April 17, 2025. Arden was born in the city of Meadville on March 26, 1933. He was a son of Maude E. and Rupert T. Hughes. He lived the first twelve years of his life in Saegertown right next to the world famous Ginger Ale plant. He graduated Meadville High School in 1951. He immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating from basic training he traveled around the world on two different aircraft carriers, the U.S.S. Midway and the U.S.S. Coral Sea. He was honorably discharged in June of 1955. He returned home and married his lifelong sweetheart, Florence (Bowman) Hughes. It was easy for Arden to see her while home on leave many times. He fell in love with her and they were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Meadville on September 3, 1955. Florence and Arden were members at that church and at one point Arden served as a Deacon and he was still a member at the time of his death. Florence passed away on February 26, 2012. After returning to Meadville, Arden was employed at Talon Inc. for a short time. He then went to work for Florence’s parents at Meadville Ambulance Service in 1958. Arden was elected President of the service in 1972. They along with Florence and Arden operated that service until 1989 when it was sold. Florence and Arden operated a satellite office in Greenville, PA for five years. Arden was an American Red Cross First Aid instructor for several years. He attended a course of instruction at Dover Fire School taught by Harvey Grant (Grants book was used to teach EMTs) and upon completion of that course he became a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician instructor. He was also a PA Certified Emergency Medical Technician. In 1981, he was serving as a Deputy Coroner when the elected Coroner was killed in an accident. He was subsequently appointed to fill the unexpired term by Governor Dick Thornburgh. He went on to be re-elected every four years after that until his retirement in 2000. After his retirement, the newly elected Coroner appointed him as Chief Deputy Coroner and he served with him until 2007. In his first years as Crawford County Coroner he attended a forensic investigation course at St. Louis University School of Medicine. In 1982 he joined the PA State Coroners Association and attended their annual seminars every year from 1982-2007. For several years he was the Association’s Northwest PA regional Vice President and in 1997 he was elected President of the PA State Coroner’s Association. He was also a member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and attended their annual seminars for several years. He was also a member of that association’s Advisory Board. He was a lifetime member of the Meadville Lion’s Club; a member of the American Legion Post #140 of Greenville, PA; a lifetime member of the Greenville Elks Lodge # 145 and a past member of the U.S.S. Midway Museum Association. Arden is survived by his daughter, Joan M. (Hughes) Opelt and her husband, Ric of Cochranton, PA; his son, Gary W. Hughes and his wife, Robin of Delaware, OH; his daughter-in-law, Karen Hughes of Meadville, PA; his sister, Lynda (Hughes) Hoyt and her husband, Gary of Long Beach, CA; ten grandchildren, Marc Hughes and his wife, Linda, Eric Hughes, Sarah (Hughes) Shick and her husband, Matthew, Jennifer (Hughes) Miller and her husband, William, Erin Hughes PhD, Christopher Roberts and his wife, Loni, Katy (Roberts) Gonzalez and her husband, Matthew and seven great grandchildren, Chad Hughes, Chloe Hughes, Jayden Lewis, Serenity Gonzalez, Katherine Miller, Henry Shick and Connor Hughes. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Florence he was preceded in death by his sons, James Arden Hughes and John T. Hughes; a great granddaughter, Carrie Ann Hughes, a brother, Richard (Dick) Hughes and his wife, Helen (Hanky) Hughes and a sister, Jean P. (Hughes) Brenoel and her husband, Paul. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday April 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Wednesday April 23, 2025 from 12:00pm until the time of the funeral at 1:00pm at Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA 16335. Graveside service for Arden will follow at Greendale Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or Meadville Lions Club, P.O. Box 331, Meadville, PA 16335. Please sign Arden’s online guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA 16335.