John Lawrence Hughes

John Lawrence Hughes died peacefully on Tuesday, November 14 at 98.  His career in publishing began in the mailroom of Pocketbooks where over a 10-year period he became a senior editor.  In 1960 he was hired by William Morrow to become their vice president.  From 1965-1985 he was Morrow’s president and CEO. Under his leadership, he was able to lure many best-selling authors to Morrow’s roster: Sidney Sheldon, Morris West, Joseph Wambaugh, John Irving, Ken Follet, Saul Bellow, Margaret Truman…. From 1985-88, Mr. Hughes served as the president and CEO of the Hearst Trade Book Group, after which he stepped down to become an editor at large and group advisor.

John Lawrence Hughes was born on March 13, 1925, in New York City. Son of John Chambers and Margaret (Kelly) Hughes.  He was educated at the Buckley School, St. Paul’s School (43), and Yale (48).  He served in The U.S. Marine Corps from 1943-45, and as a reserve in 1951.  Larry married the love of his life Rose M. Pitman in London, England (1947).  Larry and Rose were utterly devoted to each other during their 71+ years of marriage.

Living in Fairfield County from 1957 until his death, Larry was very civic minded.  He served as a trustee at the Unquowa School, the Southport School, North Country School, and St. Paul’s School. He was a trustee at the Pequot Library, and he served 37 years as trustee and lifetime trustee at the Morgan Library & Museum in NYC.  He served on the Yale University Press board of governors, as well as on the board of directors of the National Book Foundation.  Larry was a fierce advocate for the freedom to publish. He was a member of the Helsinki Watch Committee and he worked closely with PEN America.  During his life, Mr. Hughes donated thousands of books to schools, libraries, and other institutions. Amongst friends, family, and colleagues, Larry will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, storytelling, and his love of golf.

He is survived by a daughter, Alexandra Ormond Hughes and her husband, Neal Fiertag and stepchildren, Stephanie and Eve Fiertag; and by three sons and six grandchildren, Timothy Kelly Hughes married to Annie Thomas, parents of Wesley and Emma; Christopher Pitman Hughes married to Kate and father of Tyler and Kelsey, Ian Hugo Hughes married to Holly, parents of Johanna and Henry.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.