Everett Harvey Hughes

Everett Harvey Hughes, 97, of Winter Park, Florida, passed awaypeacefully on February 24th. He was a man with a curious, creative mind and love for family and God.

Ev was born in Freehold, N.J. in 1928. After graduating from Manasquan High School, he went to the New York Academy of Arts and started his own summer stock theater as director along with his brother Warren as producer. Together they opened “The Mill Stream Playhouse” in Seagirt, NJ. It was here that he fell in love with his high school classmate, Terri Melli, who had begun ushering at the Millstream Playhouse at the prodding of her good friend Natalie. In fall and winter months he traveled to Pennslvannia and Kentucky to direct a variety of plays. During the Korean war, he joined the army and was in Special Services at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He directed and performed many enjoyable productions for the troops. One of his claims to fame was directing Jane Mansfield whose husband was stationed at Camp Gordon. Ev and Terri got married during this time and lived on base in a cute bungalow. After his time in the service, his creative ability took him into the new field of television where he started as a cameraman, then director/ producer of several local programs working for WJAR and WPRO in Providence, R.I. He disliked the New England winters and was fortunate to get a job as Program Director for WDBO, now WKMG in Orlando, Florida. Though his work was a big part of his life, his faith became very important when he recommitted his life to Christ and his wife by joining the Catholic Church. After he retired, he and Terri became Eucharistic ministers and were involved in the Great Generations; leading and enjoying tours all around Central Florida. He was also involved with Leu Gardens as a volunteer and employee, giving tours of the gardens and acting the part of Mr. Leu during short vignettes in the Leu House. 

Ev was blessed with a long and full life where he enjoyed music, dancing and the arts. He appreciated God’s beauty in a sunset, garden or ocean. God blessed him with creativity as he played the piano and harmonica, and wrote plays, songs and poems that will be enjoyed by generations to come. Above all he loved his family and in his later years was always trying to figure out a way that we could all live together. That day will come. 

He is survived by his wife, Terri, of 73 years, daughter, Christine and husband, John, son, Jon, and wife, Betsy, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ev will be remembered for his love of family, cookies and storytelling, and will be greatly missed by family, friends and caregivers. A celebration of life will be held at St. Margaret Mary Chapel on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am, and reception followed with light refreshments in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Everett's memory may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.

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