Henry T. Hughes

Henry T. Hughes, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. Henry was beloved by his family and friends for his selfless heart, generosity, humor and world-class storytelling. He was a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, colleague and mentor to so many people who will miss him dearly.

Henry was born in Hartford, CT. on July 9, 1947 to Rita (Barrett) Hughes and Raymond Hughes. He grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut as a curious and adventurous kid. He worked on the local farms, fished in the streams, came home when the sun went down and always had his German Shepherd Queenie by his side. His love for New England sports started early, especially baseball, listening to the Red Sox on the radio with his dad and later playing first base for the Wethersfield High School Class of 1965.

As a teenager, he became fascinated with fast cars, believing the bigger the engine, the better and his cars were always the fastest and shiniest on the road. He would drive to Point O’ Woods Beach with his close-knit group of buddies, where in the Summer of 1964 he met Patty Davis from East Hartford. Patty was with her sorority girlfriends and the last thing on her mind was a boyfriend, but sparks flew and that summer meeting led to a 55-year marriage of happy adventures and beautiful memories.

After high school, Henry joined the United States Army where he proudly served as an intelligence officer from 1968 - 1971. Henry and Patty married in 1970 and the next few years of his military career took them to exotic locations like El Paso, Texas and Nuremburg, Germany. They returned to Connecticut in 1971 and settled into their new life. Together they raised their two children, Jennifer and Brian, in Wethersfield. Throughout their life together, Henry and Patty built a welcoming home, always putting family and friends at the center of their lives. They celebrated holidays, birthdays, and drop-in visitors with warmth and joy every day.

Henry grew up in the shadow of Wethersfield Country Club and the Greater Hartford Open, but it wasn’t until 1973 when he became involved with the tournament as a volunteer. In 1975, he became co-chair of the annual PGA TOUR stop in New England (now known as the Travelers Championship) which set the path for a career in professional golf for the next 40 years. Henry’s career with the PGA TOUR began in 1984 as Director of Marketing for the TPC Connecticut (now known as TPC River Highlands) and two years later the family moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for Henry to work at PGA TOUR headquarters where he became the first Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Throughout his long tenure and various roles within the TOUR, he was instrumental in molding much of what contemporary professional golf has become. As Chief of Operations, his guidance in tournament and community development, competition oversight, sponsor relations and player management established enduring benchmarks that continue to guide the sport today. Henry is remembered as a leader and mentor whose calm presence and fair yet steady guidance inspired all who worked with him. He was always the first to credit every success to the exceptional team around him.

Henry retired in 2010 and enjoyed the next 15 years with Patty, splitting their time between Glastonbury, CT and Ponte Vedra. His perfect day included cruising to the beach with the top down, surrounded by family, friends, and a beloved dog. A Red Sox win was simply the cherry on top.

Henry is joyously reunited with his parents; his sister, Beverly Gotch; nephew Danny Casey; niece Carole Millette Mazzarella; and the family’s Dalmatian, Nick. Henry is survived by his wife Patty; son Brian Hughes; daughter Jennifer Manley and son-in-law Bruce Manley; his brother Gary Hughes and wife Carole; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and his nieces and nephews. He is cherished in the hearts of extended family, dear friends, and all those whose lives he touched. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Kensler Jackson, M.D., Community Hospice of Jacksonville and Henry’s team of caregivers whose compassion provided him great comfort. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A service to celebrate Henry’s life will be held on Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, followed by a reception at TPC Sawgrass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Henry Hughes First Tee – Connecticut Scholarship or The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the First Coast.