David Hughes

David Hughes, beloved music teacher, devoted family member, and accordion player extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 73. 

David dedicated 35 years of his life to educating and inspiring students through music in the Cincinnati Public Schools system. Throughout his distinguished career, he shared his passion and talent at Jefferson, Harrison, Taft, Cleveland, Pierce, and Fillmore, before retiring from Highland. To the many students whose lives he touched, David was more than a teacher—he was someone who made music fun, memorable, and meaningful. Music was at the heart of David’s life. Whether playing his accordion at Traders World, sharing a favorite song, performing a little magic, recommending a movie, or simply making someone laugh, David had a unique gift for bringing joy to the people around him. His humor, warmth, and larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable to everyone fortunate enough to know him including his band mates from the Polka Dots. 

David is survived by his sister, Pamela Hughes, his brother in law, Joseph Aarons, as well as his nieces and nephew, Ashley Aarons-Tarka, Alexis Hughes-Aarons, and Colin Aarons, and his great nieces and nephews Trey and Josette Tarka, Kais and Dacre Mack, Teddy and August Aarons.

David leaves behind a lifetime of music, laughter, memories, and the countless lives he made brighter simply by being himself. His legacy will live on through the students he taught, the family who loved him, and everyone who was lucky enough to hear his music, share in his laughter, or experience one of his many unexpected moments of magic.

He may have left the stage, but his music—and the joy he brought to others—will continue to play on.

Visitation will be held on Monday October 5, 2026 at The Webster Funeral Home, 3080 Homeward Way at Route 4, Fairfield from 6:00pm until the time of Memorial Service at 7:00pm. 

www.websterfuneralhomes.com