Joseph P. Hubbard

Many called him a living saint. Joe Hubbard, an embodiment of generosity and selflessness, joined the saints in heaven on September 10, 2025.

Joseph Patrick Hubbard was born on January 8, 1943 in East Saint Louis, IL, the youngest child of Edward Benjamin and Olga Caroline, nee Greaser, Hubbard, Sr. As a teenager, Joe helped support his family after his father became disabled and unable to work. The family also received help from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Impressed by their work and with a desire to give back, Joe became the youngest member of St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Angels Parish and thus began his life of service to others. And what a life it was.

For over 65 years, Joe continued his work for St. Vincent de Paul, constantly reaching out to help the poor, the lonely, the outcasts, the sick, the dying. With his servant’s heart, Joe helped countless people without regard to race, color, or social standing. Joe saw Christ in all human beings.

Beginning in 1973, at the request of the Bishop of Belleville, Joe became the first coordinator of Catholic Urban Programs. For some time, he was a one-man show and driving force in the establishment of multiple ministries providing food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance, legal assistance, and dignified burials. Joe lit up the Gospels, following the teachings of Jesus by serving other human beings without qualification. The Corporal and Spiritual Acts of Mercy were Joe’s playbook. Joe “retired” from Catholic Urban Programs in 2013, after 40 years of leadership and service.

Over the years, Joe served on a number of local, regional, and national boards. In addition to St. Vincent de Paul and CUP, he managed the Catholic cemeteries of the Belleville Diocese. Joe did not work a 9-5 job; he answered calls for help all day and night, visiting a dying person without family in the hospital, finding shelter for a mother and her children, paying a utility bill, visiting the imprisoned, or burying a homeless person. He served as guardian for many people without family and became their family. On several occasions, Joe literally gave the shirt off his back to someone in need.

Joe inspired others to donate their time, talent, and treasure in doing God’s work. Over the decades, Joe deftly navigated a parade of politicians and clergy officials, driven solely by his love for other human beings. He was a master at getting the rich to give up some of their money and raised millions. He was the recipient of many awards, including the national Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, the Illinois Welfare Association Merit Award, the Leadership Award presented by FOCUS St. Louis, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Award, among others.  A humble man, days before his death, Joe said that he was most proud of his faith.

Joe was also proud of his marriage in 2018 to Julie Llamas Hubbard. She was his constant companion and delight. In addition to Julie, Joe is survived by his dear friend and co-worker, Gerry Hasenstab and his wife, Barbara, of Fairmont City; Gerry and Barbara’s children, Daniel (Tonya) Hasenstab of Fairview Heights, IL, John (Carly) Hasenstab of Freeburg, IL, Aaron (Julie) Hasenstab of St. Louis, MO, and Lisa (Jonathan) Lidgus of St. Louis, MO; his second cousins, Carolyn (Roy) Lantry of Swansea, IL, Robert Bates of Granite City, IL, and Sheila Mease of New Jersey; his cousin by marriage, Alice Nelson; his nephews, Melvin “Butch” Williams, Jr., Gary Williams, and David Williams; a great niece and a great-great niece; his nieces and nephews by marriage, Ramona (Joe) Shevlin, Julie (Andrew) Bartels, Sandy (Marty) Lambert, and Chris (Joshua Grassle) Schaefer; other nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Pat (Mark) Hogrebe of Millstadt, IL.

In addition to his parents, Joe was greeted in heaven by his sister Doris Williams; his brothers, Edward Jr., and Johnny Hubbard; his cousin, Lloyd Nelson; and a host of friends, family, and people he served on earth.                                        

Joe requested that donations in his memory be made to: St. Vincent de Paul, Belleville, IL, VITAS Hospice, Fairview Heights, IL, who served Joe with respect, dignity, and love in his final days, and St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.  

Joe said that saints are sinners who try. Joe sure tried. Two days before he died, Joe asked that everyone love one another, forgive one another as Christ forgives us, do a good deed for someone in need, and trust in God.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul “Hubbard’s Haven” 3718 State Street, East St. Louis, IL.

Visitation will also be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 Harrison Street, Belleville, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

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