Hubert Winston Ashley

ASHLEY
Hubert Winston, affectionately known as " Unkie," born on October 12, 1931, was the son of Gertrude Johanna Thomas and Hubert William Ashley of Walderston located in Manchester Parish, Jamaica West Indies. All of Hubert and Gertrude's children, Violet (dec.) of Montclair, NJ, Pearl (dec.) of Englewood NJ, and Gloria (dec.) of West Palm Beach FL, were born in Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. Hubert W. Ashley passed away on August 31, 2011. Both Gertrude and Hubert were members of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and continued their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ as Episcopalians in Montclair and East Orange, NJ. Hubert's musical talent was recognized by his pastor, Fr. George Marshall Plaskett, (Rector of Epiphany Church Orange and Trinity Montclair, NJ). Fr. Plaskett was so impressed, he funded Hubert's early piano and organ training. Hubert was educated in Montclair and Orange New Jersey. He graduated Orange High School in June 1949. Hubert expressed his talents at Orange High and went on to study with the late E. Brill Clawson and William B. King, further refining his skills as an organist and pianist. Always striving for excellence, Hubert went on to study Harmony and Theory at McGill University in Montreal Quebec, Spanish literature at City College of New York, and earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at the Manhattan School of Music in NYC. His most valued experience was gained under the tutelage of Madame Vera Francheschi.
Hubert served as the organist and choirmaster at a number of Episcopal churches; the Church of the Resurrection, East Elmhurst, NY, St. Mark's and Intercession located in Harlem, NY, and briefly at Good Shepherd located in Milford, PA. Hubert was a cultured gentleman. He spoke five languages fluently, respected all musical traditions, and served his community throughout his life, but the "crowning" experience of Hubert's life began in 1965 when he accepted a teaching position with the Englewood Public Schools. He enjoyed his work with the Adult Basic Education Program and the Summer Science Reading Camp, and certainly loved his work as a Black History Teacher, but his work as founder of the Steel Drum Band meant the most to him.
Hubert loved life and loved his students. He remained in contact with so many students throughout the years and was always delighted to hear of their accomplishments in life. He not only taught music, he mentored young women and men, helping them to find confidence, dignity, and pride in their journey to adulthood.
Hubert Ashley was "one of a kind." He leaves to mourn his loss two nieces, the Rev. Dr. Michelle White (Ann Marie), and Mrs. Nicole Davis (Ryan), nephew, William Goodwin (Renee), great-nieces Kia Goodwin and Ashlee Ambrosino-White; great-nephews, Erik and Miles Goodwin, Ikenna Okaomb and Nathanael Church Ambrosino-White; godson, Faris Herbert, his dearest friend and travel buddy, Mrs. Jean Hopewell, and a host of cousins and relatives. The family is joined by countless friends and acquaintances who will not soon forget this giant of a man.
Requiem Mass will be held Saturday September 24th 2 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ. Funeral arrangements by Earl I. Jones Funeral Home, Hackensack.