Nathaniel Hubbard

Nathaniel Hubbard, age 73, of Wading River, NY died peacefully on Feb 3, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving wife of 40 years, Nora, daughter Natalia, and 2 sons Jonathan & Matthew after a courageous 10 year battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.   Predeceased are his parents Andre & Jean Merritt, of Farmingdale, NY, and a brother Thomas, of Frederick, MD. He is survived by brothers, Alan, of Hackettstown, NJ, and David, of Richfield Springs, NY along with loving cousins, niece and nephews. Born in Bayshore NY on Dec. 2, 1951 Nathaniel was raised a Quaker in Farmingdale, and his lineage is traced back to 17th century, as a descendant of Thomas Powell, who negotiated the 1687 Bethpage Purchase.

A compassionate man, Nathaniel touched so many lives in impactful ways. During college he spent a semester abroad in Wroxton College, UK and upon graduation in 1974 from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ Nat was employed as a housing advocate for the Morris County Fair Housing Council in NJ. He was a frequent ob-ed contributor to local newspapers voicing his support for reforms. He continued to support the disenfranchised later in life .He was arrested for marching across the Brooklyn Bridge with his brother-in-law Johnny, while supporting Occupy Wall Street.

In 1977, he cofounded a translation/ interpretation business, “WordsWorth” in Farmingdale, NY for corporate and individual clienteles. In the community he was active as a volunteer advanced emergency medical technician & Captain of the Rescue Squad for the Farmingdale Fire Department. At this time Nat met his future wife, Nora Trimble & were wed on May 26, 1984.   In 1995 the family moved to Wading River. Nat was a very involved & supportive dad to his 3 beautiful children by going on scout camping trips, museums, music festivals & road trips in and outside the country to name a few. Nat wore many hats professionally. He was employed with Newsday and Kodak in their sales divisions. Later on he went back to school to seek a teaching license in history and was employed as a beloved substitute teacher in the Suffolk County high schools. Nathaniel’s passion for history left a great impact on his students.

He was a fun loving guy, gifted with the guitar, who serenaded family & friends with songs by Gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles, and John Prine.

Although his struggle with Alzheimers became more challenging towards the end, Nat approached each day with a cheerful, positive outlook, and gratitude, as he navigated his ordeal with grace and faith, never complaining, and always with that gentle smile. He is a role model to all of us and we are all truly blessed to have experienced the amazing gift of his presence.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 1 pm there will be a Celebration of Life for Nathaniel at Bethpage Friends Quaker Meeting, 24 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, Farmingdale, NY.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and/or East End Hospice.