Francis M. Hughes of Ashland passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, three days before his 87th birthday.

Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Francis Hughes Connors and Monica Hughes.

He was married to the late Pauline (Hawes) Hughes.

Francis was a self-employed handyman, best known for his passion for the Boston Bruins.

He coached youth hockey for most of his life in Ashland, Hopkinton and Natick.

He loved music and played the drums and piano.

He is survived by his children: Mike Hughes of Marlborough, Matt Hughes of Wrentham, Martin Hughes of Bristol, New Hampshire, and Darlene Pecorella of Framingham; as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home of Ashland (mataresefuneral.com).

Donations in Francis’s name may be made to Habitat for Humanity at habitat.org.