Josiah Victor Hughes, Retired Correctional Officer and Outdoorsman

Josiah Victor Hughes formerly of Georgetown, Delaware, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, from cancer. He was born March, 13 1949, in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in Dover, DE and spent summers at Broadkill Beach. He attended and graduated from Stowe Preparatory School in Stowe, Vermont. Afterward, making his way back home to Delaware.

Known to family and friends, as Joe or Josh, he worked for the Department of Corrections for 28 years. He was instrumental in the running of the Wood Shop at Sussex Correctional Facility. He took great pride in his work in teaching the inmates the craft of furniture refinishing, receiving a professional accommodation due to his dedication.

His life was full of hobbies and enjoying nature. He could be found on the walking on the beach, swimming, body surfing, fishing, exploring waterways in his kayak, golfing, target shooting, or talking long walks in his beloved woods.

Josiah was preceded in death by his father Randolf Hughes, his mother Alice Hearn Hughes and his brother Randy Hughes. He is survived by his sister Theodora Jackson, brother William Hughes, daughter Anna (Matt) Piccolo, daughter Amy Moon Hughes, grandson Lionel Moon Harris, girlfriend Bonnie Cooper, Debbie Cooper, Wendy Cooper, best friend Barry Lambertson, his faithful feline companion Lady, as well as a niece and nephews.

We would like to give special thanks to those who provided exceptional care. Dr. Cindy Siu, who showed him kindness, unapparelled care and compassion. Kaitlyn Steeleman at BayHealth Oncology, Elaine at Compassionate Care Hospice in Milford who went above and beyond to get him home, where he wanted to be. Eva Morgans & Lisa Flanigan, fabulous private CNAs, who cared for Josiah as if he were their own family member.

Josiah did not want a funeral service, he requested a Celebration of Life, which we will plan at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, which preserve, protect, and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services in Milton, Delaware. Online condolences may be shared online at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com