Obituary: Serena Hubbell

Serena Hubbell (nee Minutolo) died on Nov. 4, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 77.

Hubbell was born in New York City on Sept. 19, 1938. She was the first of three daughters born to Joseph Francis Minutolo, Esq. and Rose Marie D’Andrea. She was a lifelong resident of Rockville Centre and a graduate of St. Agnes Academic High School. It was here she met the love of her life, John Ryan Hubbell. After high school she attended Parsons School of Design. There she developed her talents in sculpting and painting. Hubbell was an active parishioner of St. Agnes, serving as a religious education teacher, active in marriage encounter and the baptism program. She was also a Eucharistic minister.

In June 1961, Serena and John were married at St. Agnes Cathedral. For more than 35 years as a realtor, Hubbell was known for her tireless work ethic. As a result, she helped scores of families settle in Rockville Centre.

Serena was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Rose and her younger sister Rosellen Kelly.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years John Ryan, their five children; Joseph his wife Jennifer, Cristina and her husband Michael Smith, John and his wife Alessandra, Serena and her husband Glenn Masterson, and Matthew and his wife Jennifer. If you ask her greatest achievement in life, she would be proud to brag of her 16 grandchildren: Gordon, Peter, Henry, Kieran, Marielle, Declan, Eamon, Abigail, Caitlin, Jackson, Isabella, James, Maeve, Luc, Karina and James. Her family meant the world to her.

She fought a magnificent fight. She passed away on a beautiful day with the sun shining down on her face. She will always be remembered and forever missed by family, friends and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Hubbell’s name to the Make a Wish Foundation.