Gilbert Leonard Hubbell

Gilbert Leonard Hubbell, 89, of Akron, Ohio, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 20, 2025.

Gil is not just in a better place. He is in the very best place, a place made for those who love the Lord. He is now walking, singing, and praising his Lord face-to-face for all of eternity.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 29, 1936 to the late Leonard and Mae {Silvernail} Hubbell. Gil graduated from Maumee High School, Toledo University, and Bexley Hall Seminary in Gambier, Ohio (1968). He served 7 years in the United States Army (2nd Lieutenant to Captain) with locations in Texas, North Carolina, and France. Gil pastored for 16 years in the Episcopal Church, ending his official ministry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bath, and Church of the Holy Spirit in East Akron. In 1985, Gil worked as a security guard for BP in Cleveland, retiring in 1997.

Gil is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 27 years, Diane {Sollberger} Hubbell; his children Dawn (Louis) Hubbell-Staeble and Guy (Lisa) Hubbell; grandchildren Ashley (Brian) Traffis, Brandon Will, Joseph Hubbell, David (Haley) Hubbell, Nathan (Kayla) Staeble, Aidan (Emily) Hubbell-Staeble, Tynan Hubbell-Staeble; great-grandchildren Adalyn and Olivia Traffis, Silas and Briar Staeble, Julie and Eleanor Hubbell-Staeble; beloved sister Rita Hubbell; sister-in-law Linda Sollberger.

Also, but not least, he is now in perfect harmony with his first wife of 38 years, Peg.

Gil loved his furry friends, and talked often about his boyhood horse, Copper, and dogs, Laddy and Neigeux. A dog lover at heart, he soon learned to love his new family of cats, the latest being Babe, who passed just 6 weeks before Gil. He is now gloriously reunited with all of them.

Gil read his Bible daily, and was a man of deep faith. Following Jesus' command to love, he never held a grudge, and was full of forgiveness. When wrong, he would ask for forgiveness, and whether granted or not, his love for others was unconditional.

Gil loved our country, and prayed for it daily. But, his earnest and lifelong prayer was for family and friends to have a personal relationship with his Savior, just as he had. No deeper love for anyone than that! John 14:6 says "The only way to the Father is through the Son", whose birth we have just celebrated.

The family thanks all his caregivers, especially Amber, Brandy, Ashley, Sapphire, and many others. Also, Summa Home Health and Hospice, with Lauren, Jazz, Mike, Matt and Jared. They all worked so hard to help Gil. And without Laurie Toth (Ohio Living), this very difficult journey would not have been made possible. You were all "angels" sent by God.

Per Gil's wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 at a date and time soon to be announced. A celebration of Gil's life will follow with Pastor Todd Tackett officiating. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that remembrances be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and New Hope Church, 226 Southeast Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278. To share a memory of Gil or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.

In honor of Gil and his commitment to follow Jesus, we ask you to follow His command to unconditionally "love one another." -Matthew 22:39