Benjamin J. Hubbard, professor emeritus of comparative religion, died April 23 at the age of 89.
A member of the Cal State Fullerton faculty for more than 30 years, including 15 years as department chair, Hubbard was a respected scholar and a beloved teacher. His areas of expertise included Jewish studies, biblical studies, world religions, and religion and media studies.
Before joining Cal State Fullerton, Hubbard taught at St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Ontario, and at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He earned his Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Iowa in 1973 and held master’s degrees in theology and journalism from Marquette University.
Hubbard authored or edited numerous books and scholarly articles, including “America’s Religion — An Educator’s Guide to Beliefs and Practices” with James Santucci and John Hatfield in 1997; “The Abraham Connection — A Jew, Christian and Muslim in Dialogue” in 1994; and “Reporting Religion — Facts and Faith” in 1990. A revised and expanded edition of “America’s Religions,” titled “An Educator’s Classroom Guide to America’s Religious Beliefs and Practices,” was published in 2007.
A gifted communicator, Hubbard was a frequent contributor to the op-ed pages of the Los Angeles Times, where he once wrote a regular column on religion, as well as to the Orange County Register and the Newport-Costa Mesa Daily Pilot. He also served as associate editor of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle from 1982-83.
His service extended beyond the university. Hubbard chaired the Institute for Religious and Cultural Competency in Orange County and served on the board of the American Jewish Committee, Orange County chapter.
Among his many honors, Hubbard received the Distinguished Professor Award in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1993 and the John Cronquist Memorial Award as Outstanding University Mentor in 1999.
He is remembered by colleagues and students for his deep kindness, compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Hubbard was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Judy, an artist and fifth-degree black belt in Shuyokan Ryu Aikijutsu.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Garber, and his son, David Hubbard, as well as his five grandchildren: Sammy, Jacob, and Joey Garber; and JoAnna and Abigail Hubbard.
The Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for May 15 with a 10 a.m. chapel service, followed by an 11 a.m. graveside service. The Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary is located at 1625 Gisler Ave. in Costa Mesa.