Donate in Memory of Tim Hughes

We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Tim Hughes.

On Wednesday afternoon, January 10th, Tim was killed in a hit-and-run while walking his dog in Eagle Rock Reservation. He was only 51 and in the best shape of his life. He battled through two surgeries but ultimately his injuries were too severe and doctors were unable to save him.

Tim grew up in Stoke-on-Trent in England, where his quick mind and wit got him out of trouble on more than one occasion! He maintained life-long friendships with everyone who crossed his path. He emigrated to the US in 1998, joining some of those friends at 419 3rd Ave.

Tim embraced life in NYC and made connections wherever he went, especially in Fitzgerald’s Pub, where he was legendary. He excelled in his new career with OCS as a computer technician, but life was to lead him on yet another path. It was in Fitzy’s where he met his future business partner, Alex. After a few pints one night, Tim and Alex decided to sign up for SCUBA certification together. Completely obsessed with diving, they took every course they could, and became regulars at their local dive shop.

In 2010, Monika came into the shop for SCUBA lessons and a new chapter began: Tim and Monika fell in love, got married, and became the loving parents of two beautiful girls; Willow and Zoe. They made a wonderful life together in NJ; built a beautiful home, and became part of their local community while maintaining close ties to family and friends, old and new.

In 2014, Tim and Alex made the daunting, and daring decision to devote their lives to diving. Together they bought the local dive store and created Gotham Divers. Tim was the heart and soul of Gotham Divers and a beloved and integral part of the local diving community. He leaves behind a legacy of avid divers that now share his passion for exploring the wrecks of the Northeast.

Above all, Tim was utterly devoted to his family and he absolutely doted on his girls. He was the most active and engaged dad, bringing the family on all sorts of adventures; snowboarding, hiking, biking, running, swimming, and yes, beginning to teach the girls to SCUBA dive.

Tim was, quite simply, inimitable. He had a boundless sense of humor, incredible patience, and deep empathy and love for others. While many people knew him as the life of the party, he was also the guy you wanted by your side when you needed an ear, and the buddy you wanted next to you underwater. Tim was the first one to buy you a beer, to give you a hug, to make you laugh. He was a loyal and devoted mate.

Tim leaves behind his wife, Monika, two beautiful children; Willow, age 11 and Zoe, age 6, his parents; Paul and Iris, his brother Simon, and too, too many other folks to list here. We are grateful to him for his love, his friendship, his laugh, his hugs. We are lucky to have known him and he is deeply missed.

Please consider making a donation to support Monika and the girls in the days, months, and years ahead. It is going to be a hard road and while they are not asking for it, they could really use our support.