Longtime Ellicottville Construction Worker Richard G. Hughey Dies at 85

Hughey, known as 'Howdy', was a lifelong resident of the Springville area.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Richard G. Hughey, an 85-year-old construction worker from Ellicottville, New York, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at his home. Hughey, who was known as 'Howdy', worked for many years at the Eastern Summit construction company in Springville as well as Northrup's Construction in Ellicottville. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening and hunting.

Why it matters

Hughey's passing marks the end of an era for the Springville and Ellicottville communities, where he was a longtime fixture in the local construction industry and a member of the VFW and American Legion. His death highlights the gradual generational shift taking place in these small towns as longtime residents pass on.

The details

Hughey was born on November 29, 1940 in Springville, the son of the late Jack and Esther (Jenkel) Hughey. He married Daniele Famery on September 21, 1963, and the couple remained together for 62 years until his passing. In addition to his construction work, Hughey was known for his love of gardening and hunting. He was a social member of the Little Valley VFW and the Ellicottville American Legion.

  • Hughey passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026.
  • He was born on November 29, 1940 in Springville.
  • Hughey married Daniele Famery on September 21, 1963.

The players

Richard G. Hughey

An 85-year-old construction worker from Ellicottville, New York who was known as 'Howdy' and worked for many years at the Eastern Summit construction company in Springville as well as Northrup's Construction in Ellicottville.

Daniele Famery

Hughey's wife of 62 years.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Hughey's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Springville and Ellicottville communities, where he was a well-known and respected figure in the local construction industry for decades. His death serves as a reminder of the gradual generational shifts taking place in small towns across America as longtime residents pass on.