If you’ve spent any time in the Wyoming Valley, you know the name. It’s a staple. For nearly a century, Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. has been that quiet, dignified presence on Wyoming Avenue in Forty Fort. But honestly, when you’re looking for hugh b hughes & son inc funeral home obituaries, the process can be a little frustrating if you don't know exactly where to click. It’s not just about a list of names; it’s about finding that one specific tribute for someone who meant the world to you.
Most people just type the name into Google and hope for the best. Sometimes you get a direct link. Other times? You’re scrolling through third-party sites that look like they haven't been updated since 2005.
The History You’re Stepping Into
The place has roots. Deep ones. Hugh B. Hughes, Sr. started the whole thing back in September 1929. Imagine starting a business right as the Great Depression was about to kick off. He began on West Pettebone Street, but by 1937, he realized families needed a dedicated space. Back then, embalming was often done in private homes. Can you imagine? Hughes wanted to change that. He built the current facility at 1044 Wyoming Avenue to give people a "serene atmosphere."
Today, it's run by Michael W. Harrison. He’s been there since 1982 and took the reins in 1995 when Hugh B. Hughes, Jr. retired. It’s still a family affair, too—his son Daniel is a funeral director there now.
Where the Obituaries Actually Live
When you are hunting for hugh b hughes & son inc funeral home obituaries, you have three main paths.
💡 You might also like: Why New Balance Shoes Black Colorways Are Suddenly Everywhere
First, there’s the official website. It’s straightforward. You’ll find an "OBITS" tab that usually redirects you to their current listings. If you're looking for someone who passed away recently—say, within the last few weeks—this is your best bet.
Then you have the legacy sites. Hugh B. Hughes & Son often partners with platforms like Legacy.com or "We Remember." These are great because they let you leave "digital candles" or notes for the family.
But what if the passing wasn't recent?
For older records, you’re looking at local newspapers like the Times Leader or The Citizens' Voice. These archives are the "Plan B" for when the funeral home’s main site has moved a listing to the back pages.
Dealing with the "Recent" vs "Archive" Confusion
One thing that trips people up is the difference between a funeral notice and a full obituary.
📖 Related: Why Good Morning Images Flowers Are Still the Internet's Favorite Way to Connect
- The Notice: Usually just the "who, when, and where." It tells you the service is Friday at 11 AM.
- The Obituary: This is the life story. It’s where you find out that Uncle Joe was a secret ballroom dancer or that he never missed a Penn State game.
If you’re searching for hugh b hughes & son inc funeral home obituaries and coming up empty, check the spelling. Seriously. Wyoming Valley names can be tricky. Try searching by just the last name and the year.
Why the Forty Fort Location Matters
The building itself is hard to miss. It’s a landmark in Forty Fort. Because it’s been there so long, the staff has this institutional memory of the community. They know the local parishes, the cemeteries like Forty Fort Cemetery or Memorial Shrine, and the specific traditions of the area.
When you read an obituary from this home, you’ll notice a pattern of personalized service. They don't just copy-paste. Whether it’s a traditional service with viewing hours or a more modern cremation memorial, the tributes reflect that "attention to detail" Hugh Sr. was obsessed with.
Practical Steps for Your Search
If you are looking for information right now, don't just stay on the first page of Google.
- Visit the Source: Go directly to hughbhughes.com and look for the "Obituaries" or "Obits" link in the top menu.
- Check Social Media: Sometimes local families share the direct link on Facebook before it’s even indexed by search engines.
- Use the Sympathy Store: If the obituary is live on a partner site like Legacy, there’s usually a link to send flowers. This is a quick way to verify the service dates.
- Call Them: If you’re really stuck and need service times for a funeral tomorrow, just call (570) 288-9341. They are humans. They’ll help you.
Finding a tribute shouldn't be a chore. It’s part of the grieving process, a way to connect one last time. By starting with the official home site and then moving to local news archives, you’ll find what you need without the headache.
Start your search on the official funeral home website first to see if the guestbook is active. If the record is more than a year old, pivot to the Times Leader digital archives for the most complete local record.