Joseph McCrea Hobbs, 79, died July 5, 2018 in the Naples Community Hospital, Naples, FL. He was a resident of Naples and Center Ossipee, NH. He was married for more than 50 years to the love of his life, Ann Witherell Hobbs, who predeceased him in 2012. He was the loving father of Margo and JR, devoted father-in-law to Samantha. He was Perpop to his beloved grandson, JR, whom he was proud to see graduate from Florida State University in 2017 and marry Elizabeth Grace in 2018. They were best friends.
Joe spent his childhood in Williamsburg, MA. He was educated in Northampton, MA public schools and graduated from Springfield College. He began his career in development at Smith College in 1965 and continued at Wellesley College until 1976. He was the director of development at the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1976 to 1982. His career in fundraising for non-profit arts organizations culminated at the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, Boston, in 1985.
That year, he and Ann relocated to St. John, USVI, where he spent 10 years working in the tourist industry. He helped form and was the first president of the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park. He and Ann moved to Florida in late 1995, when his most important career as grandfather began. Joe will be remembered for his loyalty to those he loved. His wit and warm smile will be missed.