It is with deep sadness that the family of William Jeffrey Hughes, of Newton, MA, announces his death on Sunday, September 7, 2025. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Nancy Stauffer; his son and daughter-in-law, Gareth Hughes and Alex Cunliffe; his daughter and son-in-law, Megan Hughes and Trevor Perrier; and his three grandchildren, Evelyn, Paxton, and Josephine. Jeffrey was born on May 26, 1950, to William John and Edith Josephine Hughes in Bangor, Wales. He grew up on Anglesey, an island off the northwest coast of Wales, with his sisters Judy and Jane. He attended Imperial College London, where he received both his bachelor of science and his doctor of philosophy in physics.

Jeffrey moved to Boston in 1978 to become an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Boston University, where he maintained a passionate career for 45 years as lecturer, researcher, advisor, mentor, administrator, and beloved colleague. He helped grow the department, revised curriculum, supported and inspired undergraduate and graduate students, created multiple centers including the Center for Space Physics and the Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling, and later served as Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. His original research advanced the understanding of space physics, in particular, the solar wind's interaction with Earth's magnetic field. He is remembered by colleagues and students as compassionate, generous, patient, full of childlike wonder, and a remarkable leader. He has left a long-lasting legacy in the Astronomy Department and the university as a whole.

While managing a busy career, Jeffrey always made time for his family. He valued spending time together, whether sitting down for family dinner, building model trains, going for a walk, attending a concert, or traveling the world. He was a lifelong learner, a value he instilled in his children and grandchildren through his enthusiastic curiosity and playful nature. He was also proud of his Welsh heritage and always displayed a Welsh dragon bumper sticker on his car.

In addition, Jeffrey valued building relationships with people and supporting his communities. He was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Newton, serving as a lay reader, on the vestry, and helping with the churchyard. He cherished church music and enjoyed supporting his wife as she sang in the choir. He lived in the same house for 44 years and became a pillar on St. Mary's Street, welcoming new neighbors, hosting annual outdoor Christmas caroling parties, grilling at block parties, and always cheering for the young children learning to ride their bikes. He is remembered by many with a big, warm smile and a twinkle in his eye.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 258 Concord St, Newton Lower Falls, at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 8, 2025. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Newton, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Greenpeace, or a charity of your choice.

For an obituary detailing his professional life "Remembering Astronomer Jeffrey Hughes" please visit:
https://www.bu.edu/cas/remembering-astronomer-jeffrey-hughes/