Maximilian "Max" Kolbe Hughes was found deceased in his home on May 24th, 2024, having lost his decades- long battle with mental illness and substance abuse. He is presumed to have passed away on or about May 14th, 2024. Max was taken from us much too soon.

Born in Warwick, RI, Max was the son of William "Mickey" Hughes and Annette LaPenta Hughes, currently of Ephrata.

Max worked various jobs over the years, mainly in construction and the trades. His most recent job was shipping and receiving manager at AMES Reese Inc. of Bird In Hand. Max also periodically worked with and for his brother, Linus, assisting with the renovation in homes throughout Lancaster County.

Max had many talents and interests. He was known to be a gentle, humble person with a giving and generous soul. He had a carefree spirit and despite his laid back personality, Max was always the life of every party. He was a great impressionist and his laugh and joyous energy were infectious.

Max was an incredibly creative individual. He enjoyed various forms of artistic expression, including playing the piano. Max could play almost any song "by ear", and it was not unusual for him to compose impromptu pieces of music on a whim.

As a young man Max became an accomplished HAM radio operator. His speed and accuracy interpreting Morse Code earned him the respect of seasoned HAM radio veterans. Max was a member of Middle Creek Search and Rescue, where he was part of the communications team. He also participated in the Civil Air Patrol and Youth Group, was colloquially known by his youth group leader as the "renaissance kid".

Max was named after St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest who sacrificed himself at Auschwitz to save the life of a man with many children. He was a wonderful example of John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". St. Maximilian Kolbe is also the patron saint of ham radio operators and addicts. Max was the embodiment of this type of love, never hesitating to put the comfort and well-being of his family and close friends first.

Max's loving spirit did not stop with his human loved-ones. He was a wonderful "Dog Dad" and he loved his American Staffordshire Terrier, Mitch. In addition to his parents, Max is survived by his siblings: Samantha A. Hughes and her companion Dennis "Chip" Kerek Jr. of Lancaster, Bethany Hughes, married to Al Williams of Holtwood, Jude Hughes of Brooklyn, NY, Linus Hughes and his companion Rachel Mizic of Lancaster, and Hyacinth Hughes or Ephrata; his niece Mimi Hughes and his nephew, Noah Hughes. And countless friends.

Please consider making a donation in Max's honor at Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, or Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center, 848 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 or The Lancaster Harm Reduction Project lancasterharmreduction.com

AIM HIGH MAX KB3DXF "silent key"