Longtime Elected Official Remembered as 'Champion for Dearborn's Youth'

This article was written by the Dearborn Department of Public Information.

The public is invited to a memorial service to remember former City of Dearborn Councilman, City Clerk, and Charter Commissioner John J. Hubbard at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

The service will take place in Studio A of the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

Hubbard passed away Sept. 11 in Dearborn. He was 78.

He was the second youngest son of the late Dearborn Mayor Orville L. Hubbard and his wife, Faye.

John Hubbard’s tenure of public service began when he was elected to serve on Dearborn City Council in 1968. He was appointed to the position of City Clerk in 1970 following the death of clerk William Hill, and served in that position until 1981.

Hubbard also served on the Dearborn Charter Commission from 2005-2007.

“I got to know John as he served Dearborn effectively as city clerk, councilman and charter commissioner,” said Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. “In every instance he had the best interests of the community at heart.

“John truly made substantial contributions to our City,” he added.

In his official capacity, Hubbard was best known for championing Dearborn’s youth. He started the People Pusher program while in office as clerk, which helped local teens find employment.

Personally, Hubbard was known as a devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Joanna, as well as a father of three, grandfather and brother.

A graduate of Fordson High School and Henry Ford Community College, Hubbard was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and worked for the U.S. Justice Department. He spent the majority of his life in Dearborn.

Following Sunday’s service, interment will take place at Michigan Memorial Park, Huron Township. The family requests donations be made in John’s name to the Dearborn Detachment Marine Corps League, 4131 Maple, Dearborn, MI, 48126.