Hugh Joseph, affectionately known as Daddy Joe, was born on January 2, 1933, in Dennery, St. Lucia, to Harrister Lloyd and Anazilta Kelly Joseph. He grew up in "The Valley," surrounded by a large family that included his five brothers, Sylvester, Cyril, Victor, Hudson, and Stephen, and his six sisters, Mary, Marie, Uralis, Flora, Agatha, and Beryl.

Hugh met his late wife, Elizabeth Joseph, when they were teenagers. Their love grew into a marriage that lasted 50 years, until Elizabeth's passing in October 2016. Together, they raised three children: Rosemary, Anita, and Andy.

Determined to provide a better life and greater opportunities for their children, Hugh and Elizabeth began a journey that took their family from St. Lucia to Barbados, then St. Croix, before eventually settling in the United States. They made a home in Brooklyn and later purchased their first house in Queens, New York, where they watched their children grow and later had the blessing of seeing their grandchildren grow up as well.

Hugh worked for many years in construction, helping to build some of New York City's most iconic skyscrapers. Outside of work, much of his time was devoted to caring for the home he loved, serving as a dedicated member of Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church, caring for his children, and, of course, spoiling his grandchildren.

The home Hugh and Elizabeth created in Queens became much more than a house. It was a place of love, comfort, safety, laughter, and countless family gatherings. Thanksgiving was especially meaningful because it was Hugh's favorite holiday. Family and friends were always welcome to share a meal, spend time together, and settle in afterward to watch wrestling with Hugh.

Their home also became a place of refuge and opportunity for family members beginning new lives in America after migrating from the Caribbean. Many relatives stayed with Hugh and Elizabeth while pursuing their education, beginning new careers, saving money, and eventually finding homes of their own. Hugh and Elizabeth believed strongly in helping their family succeed, and they lived that belief through their generosity, guidance, and support.

In 2001, Hugh and Elizabeth returned to their birthplace of St. Lucia, where they built their second home. Hugh wanted their home to be large enough for all of his children and grandchildren to visit whenever they wished. For Hugh, being able to provide a safe and welcoming home for his family was one of his greatest accomplishments and one of the clearest expressions of how deeply he loved them.

Hugh Joseph will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, hardworking provider, skilled dominoes player, and lover of country music. His strong but quiet demeanor, along with his infectious laugh, will be deeply missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three children, Rosemary Alexis, Anita Bowen, and Andy Joseph; nine grandchildren, Alliesha, Deniesha, Justine, Ray, ZeNay, Jalen, Amashi, Amari, and Jada; four great-grandchildren, Kylah, ZeNiya, Emily, and Andrew; his children-in-law, Wendell Alexis, Christopher Bowen, and Christina Jones, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and loved ones.

Daddy Joe's legacy can be seen in the family he loved, the homes he built, the opportunities he helped create, and the generations whose lives were made better because of him. He showed his love through very little words, but through hard work, sacrifice, generosity, and always making sure his family had a place to call home. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the values he lived by and the love he gave so freely will remain with his family for generations to come.

Please share your memories of Hugh or express condolences to his family through our online guestbook. The online guestbook can be found by scrolling below to the Guestbook box below and clicking on the 'View & Sign' button. You can share your thoughts and memories, upload pictures and/or light a candle.

We will also be live-streaming and recording the service. To view the service virtually scroll below to the Prayer Service box and click on the 'Watch Video' button.