Milton Burley
Hubbard Jr.

Milton Burley Hubbard Jr. — known as “Wild Man” to those who witnessed his legendary energy, “Hub” to his lifelong friends, and “Pop Pop” to his adoring grandchildren — passed away on March 12, 2026, in Long Branch, New Jersey. He was 80 years old.

Milton was born on April 8, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of the late Milton B. Hubbard Sr. and Dorothy M. Hubbard. As a young boy, he lived in Germany, where his father was stationed in the military following World War II. The family eventually settled in New Jersey, where Milton would spend most of his adult life. He was a graduate of Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, where he was a legendary football player who earned All-County honors. In addition to his football prowess, Milton was a champion sprinter, winning the 100-yard and 200-yard dash. Milton was recruited to play football in college, but the limited opportunities for young African Americans in the early 1960s kept him from pursuing his athletic talents at the next level.

Milton began his career as a civilian weapons technician at Naval Weapons Station Earle before building a long and respected career as a skilled contractor and home renovator, specializing in remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. He earned a reputation throughout the community for his craftsmanship, reliability, and perfectionism. He could fix anything — and his customers became lifelong friends. He loved working with his hands — whether building a shed in the backyard, constructing the family BBQ grill that would serve generations of cookouts, or renovating a neighbor's home to perfection.

A true car enthusiast, Milton was an avid collector of classic automobiles. His pride and joy were his red 1987 Pontiac Trans Am with T-tops and a 1955 Chevy Nomad — machines he maintained with the same care and precision he brought to everything in his life. He loved working on his cars and could often be found tinkering under the hood.

Beyond cars, Milton enjoyed crabbing — and he would tell you exactly how to cook them correctly. He'd have cook-offs with his brother to see who could prepare the crabs best. He loved cookouts, music, and the laughter that filled a house full of family. He was a builder in every sense — building things with his hands, building up the young men who grew up under his roof at 181 Coleman Avenue, and building his children into better people.

Milton had a very big heart and showed a lot of love to the people around him. He was the biggest jokester — whether he was hollering like the Wild Man or dancing around to some music, you were going to crack a smile at some point. He enjoyed a cold Heineken and would tell you about yourself with the quickness. He was stern when his children needed him to be and a teacher when they took a false step. He was able to understand the little things — truly a man greater than the sum of his parts.

But above all, Milton was a family man. He was the devoted husband of Karen L. Hubbard, his loving wife of 36 years, and the proud father of twelve children who were the center of his world: Lisa Hubbard, Yavonne Jelks, Terrance Hubbard, Suzanne Starks, Milton Hubbard III, Tyschel Andrews, Chanee Andrews, Justin Hubbard, Renée Evans, Ashley Evans, Evan Hubbard, and Kristina Hubbard — along with the mothers of his children: the late Jerrilyn Forehand, the late Yolanda Collins, the late Helen Potter, the late Shelley Andrews, and Gloria Ferrell, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who knew him as Pop Pop.

Milton was one of nine children. He is survived by his siblings Barbara Hubbard Barham, Johnell Hubbard, Sandra Hubbard, Del M. Hubbard Johnson, Keith Hubbard, Gary Hubbard Sr, and Thaddeus Hubbard. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Cheryl W. Hubbard, and his daughter Beryl G. Hubbard.

Anyone who knew Hub knew his energy. The nickname “Wild Man” wasn't given lightly — he had an outgoing, larger-than-life personality that lit up every room he walked into. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger, and his warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. To his grandchildren, Pop Pop was everything — a storyteller, a protector, and a source of unconditional love.

Milton B. Hubbard Jr. didn't just live — he showed up, fully and completely, for every moment and every person he loved. His spirit, his laughter, and his legendary energy will carry on through the family he built and the countless lives he touched.