Paul A. Hughes; Supermarket Chain Heir

Paul A. Hughes, 67, son of the late founder of Hughes Markets. The grocery chain, recently absorbed into the Ralph’s chain, was started in 1952 by Joseph P. Hughes, who opened his first store in Studio City. The Hughes group grew to more than 40 markets in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. Paul Hughes, by choice, spent his career as personnel manager of the grocery chain rather than assuming any top management post. After his father died in 1982, his mother Elsa became chairman of the board. On Tuesday in Los Angeles of cancer.