By Michael Cummings Kelly

Longtime Norfolk resident Evan Hughes, who died on March 9, 2016, has left the majority of his estate in the form of a charitable trust to benefit Norfolk individuals, families and worthwhile causes. In conjunction with the estate’ trustee, Salisbury Bank and Trust, an advisory committee of Evan’s close friends (together with Norfolk’s
first selectman) will assist in determining who will be the recipients of Hughes’s philanthropy.
It didn’t take long after Hughes and his partner, Peter Ermacora, moved to Norfolk for them to develop a deep connection and abiding affection for the town and its people. Talented designers, they had owned a successful antique and flower business in a quaint shop on Third Avenue in New York. Among their notable professional achievements was designing the interior of the famed Gramercy Tavern, which, 25 years later, still looks fresh and beautiful.
Evan Hughes was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1943 and graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Handsome and charming, he was a gifted conversationalist and storyteller who made fast friends with ease. Known for his wonderful parties (especially his Christmas celebrations) at his beautiful antiques-filled
house on Roughland Road, and his megawatt smile under his signature mustache, Hughes could light up any room. Many Norfolk charitable events, weddings and festivities over the years were magically transformed by his perfect taste.
As stated in his will, beneficiaries of the trust will be selected from five categories:
Enterprising young Norfolk students who need help furthering their education or developing their talents
Norfolk residents who by reason of accident, illness or other misfortune are in need of financial aid
Charitable or educational institutions located in the town of Norfolk deemed worthy of financial assistance
Residents of Norfolk who may, from time to time, need help paying hospital or medical bills, and
The Town of Norfolk through its Board of Selectmen for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the citizens and residents of Norfolk

Evan Hughes’s love of life, people and the town of Norfolk is reflected in the contents of his will. Applications for those people and institutions interested in benefiting from Hughes’s bequests are available at First Selectman Matt Riiska’s office in Norfolk Town Hall. The first distributions are planned for the summer of 2019.