George A. Hubbard

George A. Hubbard was a luminary in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. He unexpectedly transitioned during the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, while receiving care in the Emergency Room of Sharon Regional Medical Center, following a sudden illness. The 90 years of his earthly journey was marked by love, generosity, compassion and a steadfast faith in the Loving Father Who called him home to reward.

Mr. Hubbard of Hermitage and Masury was born Feb. 16, 1935, in Meriden, Conn., a son to John Bish and Helen (Hubbard) Aspinwall.

As a 1953 graduate of Rindge Technical School, Cambridge, Mass., George excelled in track and field, played football and served as his class president. His life’s path led him to further his education at the University of Massachusetts. A short time later, he proudly served in the U.S. Army to help protect our country and keep America free.

Following an honorable discharge, George proved himself as a man of unparalleled work ethics. He worked with his family at their refuse collection service and also drove tractor, assisting in production at their farm in Masury. In addition, he established himself as a beloved and reliable former mail carrier at the U.S. Post Office in Masury and worked at National Castings Division of Midland-Ross in Sharon.

He eventually retired from Sawhill Tubular, where he dedicated 30 years as a roll shop attendant, and throughout that time, traveled to Germany to gain expertise in operating a lathe to configure the pipe produced daily into required size specifications.

More recently, for Guy’s Catering in Hermitage, George was a general assistant and errand runner. He served in the same capacity for Gibbs Family Daycare, for which he picked up meals and drove the children by van to excursions including Storytime in Hermitage. The children dearly loved him and enjoyed including him in their fun, active games.

A man with a deep and abiding faith in God and sincere love for others, George was a member of Cedar Avenue Church of God and Ruth African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, both in Sharon. George sang in the choir, loved to worship and faithfully volunteered his time and talents to enrich programs there as well as throughout his community. While an active member of Cedar Avenue, he provided security and drove for the van ministry.

As a faithful servant, he joyfully stepped into any position in which help was needed. George labored, offered advice and did everything he could and whatever God led him to do within the roles of his compassionate ministry, including sang a solo in a men’s gospel chorus in what was then Hickory Church of God. On Nov. 13, 2022, George was named Man of the Year on Men’s Day at Ruth A.M.E. Church.

George was unconditionally generous, fun-loving and knew no strangers, engaging anyone in conversations from history to entertainment, mundane moments to extraordinary memories. In his spare time, he loved traveling and ensuring the success of any endeavor in which he participated. George developed a unique flair for fashion that manifested itself in his impeccable grooming and attire.

Considering his devotion to children and his family, George treasured moments spent coaching his children and grandchildren in track. Passionate about helping all youth, he took a genuine interest in children and assisted them in realizing their potential, never underestimating the power of how new and diverse experiences could impact a child’s life. He always referred to them with sweet terms of endearment and discussed their plans for the future. Recipients of his special concern always knew he wished them the very best, and some called him Candyman, because he always had pockets filled with sweet treats for kids.

Throughout his life, George was known for his thoughtfulness and was a beloved and trusted friend. He sought opportunities to show affection, always greeting others with his kind smile and a word of encouragement. He was especially benevolent and influential in the lives of single mothers and their children, sharing wisdom and serving as a father figure.

He was chivalrous and a model gentleman. On Aug. 13, 1988, in Hickory United Methodist Church, Hermitage, during a reconstruction project at their own church, Cedar Avenue, he married his wife, Brenda L. Gibbs-Hubbard, whom he treated like a queen, and assisted in numerous creative endeavors.

George and Brenda first met in the 1980s, when Brenda wrote and directed a gospel play, “The Witness: Whom Wilt Thou Serve?” George was influential in designing and creating the set for the play, and the beginnings of their life and ministerial partnership was formed. The play was performed twice at their church; and at National Association of the Church of God Campgrounds, Shenango Township; and Hickory United Methodist Church.

His diverse abilities helped define who he was, and he used his ingenuity and broad skillset to create a fog machine for use at his wife’s play and later various other dramatic events. They include Easter and Christmas pageants, Children’s Ministry events at Cedar, all for which he was the set builder, coordinator and assembler, lighting director and occasional actor.

Rarely seen apart from one another, together he and Brenda traveled to numerous destinations throughout the U.S., from a tour of the New England States, to Niagara Falls and Los Angeles, and international travels to Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

He also leaves his beloved children, of whom he was very proud, Pamela Ross, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Sonja Benford, of Euclid, Ohio; Dr. Marquita Kemp, of Masury; and Pierre Hubbard, of Hubbard; a sister, Rose Marie Hubbard, of Hartford, Conn. He also leaves his precious grandchildren, Patricia Hubbard, Dante Ross and Chelsea Ross; Toney Benford; LaTesha Hubbard and Lonniel Shepherd; Terica Hubbard, Quinten Peagler and his wife Amanda; Joshua Burns and his wife Rillis; Susan Saunders; Catherine Hyman and her husband Marquies; Alexandria Saunders, Jamayla Hubbard and Aaron Pope; and Akaia Peavy and Jasmine Hubbard; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; his godchildren, Colbert D. Thompson, of Philadelphia; Christen Askerneese, of Pittsburgh; Chelsi Y. Cummings, Columbus, Ohio; Ashley Byrd of Farrell; and Myles D. Huntley, of Canton, Mich.; nieces, nephews, cousins and other cherished family members and dear friends. His life had an impact on numerous other lives who will also mourn his passing.

George was preceded in death by his son, Courtney M. Hubbard, on Sept. 28, 2022; and sister, Helen Hubbard.

A time of gathering to honor Mr. Hubbard will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, and 10 a.m. to time of service Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, both in Cedar Avenue Church of God, 1045 Cedar Ave., Sharon. A homegoing service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday with military honors. The Hubbard family will receive family and friends in the home of Dr. Marquita Kemp, Masury. George will be laid to rest in Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Memorial contributions can be made to Ruth A.M.E. Zion Church, 95 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Hubbard was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, 379 State Route 7 SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135.