John E. Hughes 1950-2025

John was born June 6, 1950, in Strawberry, Arkansas, where he was raised by his loving grandparents, Mildred and Tolah Mize. He graduated from Chaney High School in 1968.

In 1970, John began his lifetime commitment to public service when he became an EMT for Gold Cross Ambulance, where he met his lifelong best friend, Ben Melnykovich. John became one of the area’s first paramedics in 1977. In 1985, John, Dr. Larry Woods and Marie Morrell started Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance, where he worked until his retirement in 2017. John was described by friends as a pioneer and an icon in the EMS world.

John also served as a police officer for Poland Village, a firefighter for the Youngstown Fire Department and the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, an instructor at YSU, and was one of the founding members of HazMat in the Mahoning Valley.

Above everything else, John loved and adored his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Cathy Hughes (Illencik), whom he married Oct. 12, 1984; his daughter, Melissa Hughes; his son, John Hughes; his grandchildren, Natalie Hughes, Erik Jennings and Elina Jennings; his sister-in-law, Cindy Illencik; his brother-in-law, Joe (Sue) Illencik; and his cousins from Arkansas, Linda, Peggy and Robby (Annette).

Calling hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.

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