Baden Holmes Hughes

Baden Holmes Hughes, devoted patriarch, father and grandfather went to be with the lord on the morning of April 23rd 2024 at the age of 93.  Working on dairy farms for the early part of his life and then serving a couple of years in the military,  he immigrated from Scotland in 1958 with his wife of 73 years, Mary and their son Gordon who unfortunately recently passed. He spent his years as a jockey turned horse trainer in the thoroughbred racing industry. He plied his skills at racetracks in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. He later went on to manage horse farms in Maryland before retiring at 80. He leaves behind Mary and 3 daughters, Debra Rocco, Heather Hughes and Tina Canter. Baden was a grandfather of 6 and a Great Grandfather to 10 great grandchildren who all referred to him as “poppy”. His passion for horse racing never diminished as he spent most hours of the day watching live racing in front of the television. He loved to watch his grandson Joe Rocco Jr, a successful jockey, riding in races and would beam with pride at every win.  Joe always credited his grandfather for first teaching him to ride. Of course, there was the occasional battle for the TV remote when Mary wanted to watch an episode of “Shark Tank”.  The delightful banter between the two was nothing short of comical as Baden would simply hand over the remote followed by a roll of the eyes.  Prior to the decline in his health he relished taking dogs Ty, Jonesy & Jackson for walks.  Baden will always be remembered for his kindness and his unparalleled work ethic.  

He is reunited with his parents and his brother Jimmy in heaven. Baden would always say goodnight by telling us he was "off to his “But & Ben". It is a Scottish slang for a small cottage. A memorial service will be scheduled with the date & location to be determined

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