Rev. Richard Rettmer Hubbard Obituary (1948 - 2022)

Reverend Richard Rettmer Hubbard, 73, of Addison, NY passed away on February 7, 2022 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY. Richard was born on September 28, 1948 in Mineola, NY, the son of Charles and Wilma Hubbard. He was a native of Islip, NY. He married the former Diane Sue Wixson of Lakemont, NY on October 11, 1980 at the Lawrence Chapel in Odessa, NY. Richard held a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drew University in Madison, NJ, a Master of Arts Degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, NY. Richard was ordained in the Lakemont Congregational Christian Church in Lakemont, NY in 1978. Following his ordination, he served as the minister for the yoked parishes of the Lakemont Congregational Christian Church and the Rock Stream Presbyterian Church from 1978-1983. In 1983, Richard felt the calling to join the Navy. After commissioning and completion of the Chaplains Basic Course at the Naval Education and Training Center (NETC) in Newport, RI, he was assigned as Chaplain to Commander Destroyer Squadron Seven in San Diego, CA. Richard's next assignment was to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. His next tour was as Station Chaplain at the Naval Communication Station in Nea Makri, Greece. In returning to the contiguous United States, he reported as Group Chaplain for Commander Naval Surface Group Four at Newport, RI. In the fall of 1992, Richard reported for the Advanced Course at the Naval Chaplains School, NETC, in Newport, RI. Following graduation, he was assigned as Command Chaplain, Naval Security Group Activity in Edzell, Scotland. In June 1996, he reported as Command Chaplain, Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, NJ. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Chaplain, U.S. Navy, Richard retired from the military after 15 years of service. Richard and Diane moved to Addison, NY in 1998, after which he became the Chaplain at Corning Community College. In 1999, he became the minister at the Hornby Congregational Church, where he served for the past 23 years. For the past 12 years, Richard also served as the minister at the First United Church of Christ in Elmira, NY. Before serving at the First United Church of Christ, he served at the First United Methodist Church in Painted Post, NY for 8 years, and with the Painted Post Presbyterian Church, combining worship services for 2 years. Richard was a member of the Susquehanna Association of the NY Conference of the United Church of Christ. He served on the General Ministry Team (GMT) and the Committee on Authorized Ministry (CAM). He also served on The Campus Ministry Advisory Board of Corning Community College (CMAB) and was a member of the Elmira Area Clergy. Personal decorations included the Navy Commendation Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of second award) and the Navy Achievement Medal. As a youth, Richard was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Order of the Arrow. Richard enjoyed running, skiing, swimming, and kayaking. He served as a lifeguard and canoed the length of the Mississippi River. He enjoyed living overseas and was interested in ancient history. Richard is survived by his wife, Diane; brothers, Kenneth (Betsy) Hubbard and Thomas Hubbard; cousin, Dale Bennett; brother-in-law, Arthur "Joe" Wixson; sister-in-law, Stacey (Marc) Weigert; nieces and nephews: Laura (Sol) Snyder, Jonathan (Jamie) Wixson, Samantha (Michael) Eaton, and Benjamin Wixson; and several grand-nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Wilma Hubbard; niece, Amanda Hubbard Wilke; and brother-in-law, Roscoe "Bill" Wixson. Two funeral services will be held. The first will be on Saturday, February 26th at 12:00 Noon at the First United Church of Christ, 160 Madison Avenue in Elmira, NY, and the second will be held on Sunday, February 27th at 9:00 AM at the Hornby Congregational Church, 5080 Hornby Rd., Rt. 41, Hornby, NY. In the spring, a graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Lakemont Cemetery on Hayes Rd. in Lakemont, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First United Church of Christ, 160 Madison Ave, Elmira, NY 14901; the Hornby Congregational Church, c/o Adam Landon, 2 Brown Rd., Corning, NY 14830; and The Campus Ministry Advisory Board, c/o Robert Cooper, 164 West 3rd St., Corning, NY 14830. Richard's family entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.