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Hugo Johner at the counter of The Fudge Company.
Hugo Johner Jr. of Southampton died on April 17, 2022, at the Westhampton Care Center. He was 78.
Born in New York City on October 24, 1943, he attended New York City public schools through high school. After meeting Kathleen S. Mulligan, who survives him, while working together on Nantucket Island, they married in 1975. They moved to Southampton in 1973 and spent some winters in Key West, Florida, where Johner restored an 1890 conch house for which he received a city award.
Johner graduated from The New School for Social Research (now New University) with a degree in sociology. His career path, however, became the food business, and his goal was to be an entrepreneur. He opened the first Fudge Company in May 1973 in a small shop on Jobs Lane and a second store at 67 Main Street, both in Southampton. During his years as a business owner, he also owned businesses in East Hampton, Westhampton, and Hollywood, Florida. He and his brother, John, were partners. This year will be the 49th season in business on Main Street.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Sarah Johner; his son, Daniel Johner; and two brothers, John Johner and Martin Johner. His parents predeceased him. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Brian Mulligan; a sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Ron Hallett; and a sister-in-law, Carol Mulligan. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, grandnephews and a grandniece.
A funeral service was held on April 22 at 7 p.m. at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to South Fork Bakery for Special Needs, 3333 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, or the Southampton Hospital Foundation, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968-5090.
Staff Writer on Apr 25, 2022