Edward Hugo Hubel

Edward H. Hubel, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Civil Engineer Corps, Seabees, (Retired), age 97, beloved father and Papa, passed away peacefully on August, 2nd. He was born in New York City on September, 23, 1926, to the late Hugo and Franziska Gross Hubel, German immigrants. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 during World War II, and served with the United States Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees. He continued to serve his country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and was instrumental as a senior enlisted construction Utilities Chief with Antarctica Deep Freeze One (1955-1957) operations and building the living quarters at the South Pole. In honor of serving in Deep Freeze One, a glacier mountain was named after him, “Mount Hubel”. While stationed in Naples, Italy, he met and married his beloved wife, Anna Diodato in 1958.

With his reputation as a Civil Engineer for 30 years of active service, he then dedicated another 20 years with the US Navy Civil Service as a Construction Inspector, located at Jacksonville Naval Air Station and Jacksonville Cecil Field.

Edward is reunited with his beloved wife, Anna of 65 years. He is survived by his three children: Frances (Charles) Dodge of Jacksonville Beach, Edward T. (Kristen) Hubel of Fleming Island, and Kimberly (Vincent) Galiano of Jacksonville. Five grandchildren: Alexander Dodge, Samantha Arce, Christopher Dodge, Max Hubel, and Jordan Galiano, along with five great-grandchildren.

Over the course of his career, he celebrated a life well-lived. He was an avid reader. If he found an author he liked, he would read every book they wrote! He also enjoyed Wheel of Fortune, jig saw puzzles and an old Milwaukee! He will be remembered for his love, kindness and generosity to all. He was a man of little words, never boasting about his accomplishments. Recently we discovered he was a recipient of the bronze star for his services in U.S war of conflicts. He will leave us with wonderful memories, values and honor. He was our hero!

 Interment with full military honors will be held August 15, 2024, 2:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to support preserving the Seabee Legacy at: https://www.seabee.org/donate

‘Can Do’ spirit of the Seabees and the Civil Engineer Corps