Brian John Hubbard

Newport, RI- Mr. Brian J. Hubbard, 64, of Newport, RI formerly of Lynn, MA died peacefully at his home on Friday, July 8 with his daughter, her husband and close friend by his side.Hubbard was the father of Lea L. Green formerly Brenda Lee Hubbard of Santa Fe, NM, and brother of Mark Hubbard of Lynn, MA and Susanne Reines of Newburyport, MA. Brian was the son of the late John Hubbard and Elizabeth Riley Hubbard. Brian is also survived by scores of loving friends and colleagues.Born with vision and hearing limitations, Brian was diagnosed at the age of 15 with Ushers Syndrome a form of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative condition which resulted in full hearing and vision loss.Brian attended college at UMass Amherst and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He also received an MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University and faithfully served his community in RI and MA for the next 35+ years as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist.Brian was the founder Counseling for Independent Living CIL, an agency specializing in psychotherapy for people with disabilities and the creator of a counseling style called Empowerment Therapy.In 1995, bilateral cochlear implants improved his hearing and in 2010, Brian became the host of a radio show on Newport, RIs WADK 1540 AM called Stressbusters with Brian J. Hubbard that covered weekly topics focusing on stress-reduction. He is also the author of two books, From Emptiness to Empowerment and the autobiographical Sharing the Light.In addition to his professional triumphs, Brian was a three-time gold medalist on the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and in 1999 was inducted into the Lynn English High School Hall of Fame. A Newport, RI Memorial will take place at Noon on Sunday, July 24, at Braga Park, Kay St., proceeding to 148 Kay St. RSVP 401-848-9021 or email leagreen131@gmail.com. A Lynn, MA Memorial will be at 3pm on Sunday, Aug 14, at Cedar Brook Pond and Gannon Municipal Golf Course proceeding to 21 Joel Circle. RSVP 781-593-9802 or email rbastarache02@comcast.net. Donations can be made to the Brian J. Hubbard Memorial Fund, 148 Kay St., Newport, RI 02840.