Hugh "John" Hubbard

"Belchertown, Hugh "John" K. Hubbard, Jr., 75, died Saturday, December 21. Born in Ware, Feb. 16, 1938, he was the son of Hugh and Geneva Pearl (Pierce) Hubbard. A lifelong resident of Belchertown, he worked for Cascade Diamond in Thorndike for 44 years, retiring in 2000. He was a 45 year member of the Belchertown Fire Dept., and retired as Deputy Chief. He served as Water District Commissioner from 1988 - present, and had formerly been a member of the Lions Club and the Men's Bowling and Golf Leagues. He was an avid NASCAR, Red Sox and Patriots fan. Though not Polish by birth, Johnny loved Polish music and was a devoted fan of the Amherst Radio broadcast. The family has many fond memories of vacations at Hampton Beach, and, in later years, John and Carol enjoyed many bus tours and trips in their camper. In 2004, he was given the gift of a kidney from his son, Chris, which allowed him to enjoy these additional years with his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Carol E. (Hill), his 4 sons, Jeffrey K. (Cindy) of Sunderland, Christopher A. (fiancé Emilie) of Ware, Todd E. (friend Sandi) and Brian R. (Heather) of Belchertown, along with his 9 precious grandchildren, Jeffrey, Joseph, Amy, Kaitlin, Brooke, Julia, Nicole, Amber, and Tyler. Additionally, his sister Alice "Tootsie" Suprenant and her sons James and Phillip, along with brother in law and sister in law Raymond & Jennie Jo Hill of NC, and many extended family and friends also survive him. He also leaves his loyal Bassett hound, Hannah. Calling hours will be Friday, December 27 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a service to remember his life at 7:00. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or Dakin Animal Shelter, 171 Union St, Springfield 01105. "