Linus Hughes, 49

July 13, 2025

Linus Hughes passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital. Linus suffered a respiratory emergency at home on July 4, 2025. Linus was admitted to the ICU at LGH but, despite all efforts by his care team he sustained a severe anoxic brain injury from which he could not recover. As was his wish, Linus gave the wonderful gift of organ donation on July 14, 2025. This final gift was very much in line with Linus’s life of selfless love and giving. While the sadness of this loss is immeasurable, Linus’s family is comforted knowing the loss of their beloved brother, son, and partner will save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the grief they are experiencing now.

Linus was a great man. He was bigger than life. And the only thing that was bigger than his wonderful personality and presence was his heart. How does one describe someone who was a near-perfect embodiment of kindness, humility, strength, gentleness, and love without feeling like they’ve fallen short somehow? It is an impossible task. Linus was simply the best.

Linus was the hardest working man most people have ever known, but what he valued most wasn’t material wealth or status, it was his family. The relationships he had with his parents, his siblings, his best friend, his partner of 18 years, and the family dogs were his most prized “possessions”; they were what he lived for. He was the best friend of all his siblings, the most devoted son, and he made his partner and their “doggie sons” the center of his world. Linus knew the true meaning of life and how we were meant to treat one another. He would never hesitate to help someone in need, no matter what he was doing or how many things were on his plate. There was rarely a problem Linus couldn’t solve, but when one came up, he would be sure to point you in the direction of someone who could solve it!

Linus had an amazing work ethic and took pride in all he did from the time he was a small boy. When something needed done, he would push his older siblings aside and proclaim, “let the pro do it!” From helping his father at work, where he learned the names of tools by handing them over when needed, to his first paper route little Linus dove into every job headfirst and gave it his all. And he carried that attitude with him always.

Linus attended Tollgate Vo-Tech where he received an electrical certification. Linus was nothing short of an electrical genius. There were countless jobs others deemed
“impossible”, but Linus would work until he figured them out. Linus worked as an electrician for over 30 years, for Meticulous Construction (which he owned and operated with his best friend of 30+ years), Carmody Electric, and his own company, Anchor Mechanical Services. And he was always on call for friends, family, and neighbors whenever an electrical issue came up!

In 2023 Linus began working for A D Autos / A&D Specialists as their lead vehicle salesperson for retail and wholesale vehicle sales. As always, Linus gave 110% of himself to his job, and his co-workers and customers became like family. Linus loved working at “the auction” (Manheim Auto Auction) each Friday and every other Thursday. His excitement for selling cars and being “in the middle of the action” was the highlight of his workweek.

Linus has also been a licensed EMT for over 20 years, which he pursued while volunteering with Middle Creek Search and Rescue with his younger sister.

The loss of our dearest Linus has left a huge void in the lives and hearts of all who love him. May we fill this void with memories of Linus’s smile, his laugh, his excitement for life- even the smallest things, and the experiences we shared. And may we honor him by carrying on his spirit of love, kindness, and selflessness, and by treating each other as Linus would have.

From Linus’s mother: “Following Jesus’s example, Linus spent his days loving, giving, and serving… always going the “extra mile” for anyone who needed his help- “There is no greater love than this- that a man should lay down his life for his friends”. Encourager, cheerleader, sunshine- how do you describe such a selfless man? His comfort and caring was lavished on us all. As we anguish over his passing, may we honor him by following the example he set for us. “Let your light shine…”. One day… all together… this time forever….. Safely Home.”

Linus was the son of William “Mickey” Hughes and Annette LaPenta Hughes of Ephrata. In addition to his parents, Linus is survived by his siblings: Samantha A. Hughes and her partner Dennis “Chip” Kerek of Lancaster, Bethany Hughes married to Al Williams of Holtwood, Jude Hughes of Brooklyn, NY, and Hyacinth Hughes of Ephrata; Rachel Mizic, his beloved partner of 18 years of Lancaster, his niece MiMi Hughes, his nephew Noah Hughes, and his best friend of 35 years, Matt DuBois, of Warwick, RI.

Please make contributions in Linus’ memory to Noble Hill Horse Rescue, 2002 Noble Rd, Kirkwood, PA 17536 noblehillrescue.org