Anthony Hough

Anthony “Tony” Hough was born the second of four sons to Mosco Hough, Sr. and Mary Lunsford Hough on June 8, 1957. A proud native of Buffalo, New York, he was educated in the Buffalo Public School system and graduated from Kensington High School in 1975. From there, he went on to enroll at The State University of New York at Brockport where he double majored in African American Studies and Criminal Justice. Unsure if the school was for him, he left Brockport and enlisted in the Army; after being stationed in Fort Gordon, GA, he was honorably discharged. In 1979, he returned to Brockport where he would unknowingly meet the love of his life, Wendy Evans.

Upon graduating from Brockport, Tony began his career in what was then known as the New York State Division for Youth (eventually called the Office of Children and Family Services – OCFS) under the tutelage of his mentor Thom McGregor at Industry Residential Center in Rochester, New York as a Youth Division Aide. After a few years, he moved to New York City, where he worked at the Aftercare Center in The Bronx, several group homes in Brooklyn, and eventually the Harlem State Office Building.

Tony and Wendy married in 1988 and welcomed their first child, Cameron in 1991 while living in Mount Vernon, New York. Two years and eight months later they welcomed Nicholas, and so began the family’s tour of New York State. From 1993 Tony worked at Highland Secure Center, Brookwood Secure Center in Claverack, NY, McCormick Secure Center in Ithaca, NY, and Harlem Valley Secure Center in Wingdale, NY where he was appointed facility director in 1996 and remained until it closed in 2004. He retired in 2014 as Associate Commissioner for Facilities in Albany, NY after 32 years with the agency, having made countless lifelong friendships along the way.

Eager to instill the traditions, values, and faith he learned growing up in the Baptist church in Buffalo, Tony and Wendy sought a church home once they landed in Dutchess County. He was a proud member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for many years and dearly loved his church family. He regularly lent his passion for photography to a variety of Church and Youth Ministry events and was named Mt. Zion Baptist Church Father of the Year in 2001.

Once he retired from OCFS, Tony enjoyed continuing to nurture his passions for cooking, photography, and traveling the country to cheer on his beloved Buffalo Bills. He frequently took trips to Buffalo with friends and family to take advantage of his season tickets, and regularly entertained old and new friends alike with his elaborate tailgate spreads and generosity of spirit whether before a game or in the stands. He found a second calling when he picked up a part-time job working the front desk at the Fishkill Marriott, where his gregarious nature and bright spirit earned him Employee of the Month multiple times.

Over the years, Tony established a reputation as a dedicated boss, a tireless advocate for youth, a talented grill master, and a passionate host. He’d regularly cook for friends and family for any occasion at all—whether the annual Memorial Day cookout, Super Bowl Sunday or to welcome friends from out of town. He spent years perfecting his marinades and rubs and became famous for his barbecue ribs.

Tony made friends everywhere he went. Whether darting around his favorite local haunts in the Hudson Valley or making friends in the Highmark Stadium parking lot ahead of a Bills game, he’d regularly come home telling stories of the strangers who became friends in the afternoon, and friends who eventually became family.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Wendy, daughter Cameron, son Nicholas, brother Ronald, and a host of cousins, friends, and colleagues who will dearly remember his legacy of positivity and good cheer.