Donald Hughes

GRAY – Donald Hughes, 59, from Gray, passed away at home on Sept. 18, 2025, due to a sudden heart attack.

Born at Chambley Air Base in Strasbourg, France, Donald grew up in New England and settled in Maine close to family. He graduated from Winchester High School in Massachusetts in 1986, and attended the University of Southern Maine. He married wife, Jennifer, in 1997 and was overjoyed to welcome the birth of their son, Connor, a few years later.

Early on in his career, Donald worked in the construction/stone-working trades for several years until proudly starting his own business, Art of Stone, in 2000. Here, he and his brother, Tony (and crew), fabricated beautiful stone countertops, fireplace surrounds, hearths, and even an artful stone mural; some of which are featured in Maine architecture and design magazines. He loved creating unique stoneworks that now enhance the beauty of homes all over Maine, and as far south as Knoxville, Tenn. and Captiva Island, Fla. Considering the heavy weight of large stone projects, Donald more recently downsized his business and began working on his own, all over coastal and southern Maine, taking on smaller stonework projects, site work, and drilling holes in countertops for water treatment companies. In 2021, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Art/Sculpture at the University of Southern Maine. He loved making stone sculptures, taking on challenging projects, and helping people create a beautiful and functional space, often with the help of his brother, David or son, Connor. He created a professional, friendly rapport with customers and their families with his craftsmanship and care, and even made friends with their dogs.

Donald loved helping others and could fix every. single. thing, usually accompanied by his lighthearted whistles. He loved watching Connor play ultimate frisbee and soccer, and was incredibly proud of him as he ventures off to college. He loved loading up the truck and taking his family on trips to visit his Dad on Matinicus Island. St John, USVI, was his happy place. Through Art of Stone, he created connections that allowed him to host family and friends in beautiful villas on the island. With his never-ending sense of adventure, he explored Nova Scotia with his family in 2019. They toured the Bay of Fundy and the filming site for the TV show, “Curse of Oak Island,” and were excited to meet the famous treasure hunters. He enjoyed tinkering on and driving his boat with his friend Steve, spring family fishing trips to Aziscohos, his dogs Teddy, Guinness and Paya, listening to music and singing his heart out, finding great deals on Facebook Marketplace, playing Clash Royale with family, hosting family and friends at the house (and making his famous pancakes), volunteering with the lake association. He was always helping others, and was an organ donor.

Donald is survived by his wife, Jennifer Neil Hughes; son, Connor Hughes; his father, Anthony Hughes; siblings Darlene Hughes, Doreen Hughes Dignan, Danny Hughes, David Hughes, Tony Hughes, Sandra Hughes Goff, Stacie Hughes, Nick Hughes, and Sarah Hughes; 25 beloved nieces and nephews; and godsons Evan and Pierce Ernst.

His mother, Judy MacKeigan, passed in 2021.

He is so loved and deeply missed.

Please join us for a very informal Celebration of Life on Saturday April 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the West Cumberland Community Hall, 115 Blackstrap Rd., Cumberland, ME 04021.

If you would like, please jot down a memory of Donald to bring with you. We will have a basket to collect them at the door. There will be pictures, food, laughter and memories shared. We look forward to seeing you!