Paul Eugene Hubbell

Paul E. Hubbell, 89, of Lynchburg, VA, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Born November 18, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, to Stewart Morse and Rita (Armell) Hubbell, he grew up on Long Island before moving his family to northeast Pennsylvania in 1968. He lived in Stroudsburg before settling in Swiftwater in 1977, where he remained for many years. He was the longtime owner of the Heigh Ho on Donaldson Road in Swiftwater, where countless family memories were made. From the early 1990s until 2022, Paul and his wife, Suzie, wintered at their home in Vero Beach, FL, where they built a wide circle of friends, and he continued his musical career.

A graduate of Freeport High School in New York, Paul earned a music education degree from Hofstra University in 1954. He began his teaching career at Long Beach Elementary and later taught in the Deer Park School District. After relocating to the Poconos, he taught music and directed bands in the East Stroudsburg Area School District from 1968 to 1982. His bands consistently earned top honors at adjudications and festivals. In 2018, he was inducted into the East Stroudsburg Area School District Music Hall of Fame, and was very proud of his many students, as well as his children and grandchildren, who pursued careers in music.

Paul was an accomplished musician, both as a leader and sideman. At 19, after studying with famed NY musician Sid Cooper, he performed at Carnegie Hall with Stan Rubin’s Tigertown Five and later played in renowned clubs, hotels, and resorts across greater New York City, the Catskills, the Poconos, Florida, and beyond. Notable venues included the Waldorf Astoria, the Rainbow Room, Tavern on the Green, and the Deer Head Inn. He led bands at Pocono Manor Resort in the 1980s and previously at Woodloch Pines, Stricklands, and Vacation Valley resorts. He was a frequent performer at the Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz Festival in Delaware Water Gap, PA, and played on jazz cruises and at festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada. He appeared often with Parke Frankenfield, and later with Bob Crosby and the Bobcats, performing at President Reagan’s second inaugural ball in 1984. Among his many recordings, he contributed to the album Jazz From Then Till Now, which sold over 30,000 copies and is archived in the Library of Congress. In the 1960s, he toured with his brother Frank’s band, The Village Stompers, who recorded the hit Washington Square. In 1996, he was named the Pennsylvania Jazz Society’s first-ever “Outstanding Musician of the Year.”

Paul’s mastery of the Great American Songbook, Big Band, and Dixieland Jazz made him a sought-after musician. Known for his smooth, melodic swinging style and warm, full tone on tenor saxophone, clarinet, soprano saxophone, and flute, Paul elevated the playing of those around him, was respected by fellow musicians and beloved by all who knew him. His swinging sound and musical presence will be deeply missed.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Hubbell of Miami, FL. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Suzanne J. Hubbell, son David Hubbell and his wife Rose of Cranberry Township, PA; daughter Christine Douglass and her husband Bob of Lynchburg, VA; son Alan Hubbell and his wife Kem of Landenberg, PA; and daughter Lauren Marone of Seattle, WA. Paul’s greatest joy came from being “Papa” to his 10 grandchildren: Jennifer (Hubbell) Serio (SC), Danielle (Hubbell) Anthony (PA), Erica (Hubbell) Pfeuffer (OH), Bobby Douglass (PA), Tina Douglass (PA), Marko Hubbell (PA), Lillie Hubbell (PA), Matthew Marone (TX), Brandee (Marone) Cederlind (WA), and Leah Marone (WA); and 11 great-grandchildren.

Paul’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers - Jodi, Kathleen, Meghan, Rebecca, Michelle, Gee Gee and Henry, along with Heritage Green Assisted Living, and Centra Hospice - for their compassionate care and support provided over the past few years.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, VA. A service celebrating Paul’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Forest, VA.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.