Celebrating the life of
Captain Joseph D. Dobbs Sr.
February 12, 1940 - October 31, 2016
Captain Joseph D. Dobbs Sr.
Savannah, GA – Capt. Joseph D. Dobbs, Sr. 76 of Savannah passed away on Monday, October 31st, 2016. Born and raised in Bernardsville, NJ and was preceded in death by his father, C. Ellsworth Dobbs and his mother Florence Carell Dobbs.
After graduating from Bernards High School, Joe attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a proud member of the New Jersey National Guard from 1961 – 1967. In 1961, Joe became vice-president at Bernards Builders Supply and in 1963 joined his father’s real estate firm, Ellsworth Dobbs Realtors. In 1965, Joe established Dobbs Associates headquartered in Bernardsville and grew the firm from a single location to over twenty offices throughout northern New Jersey supporting over 400+ salespeople. In the mid 1980’s, he joined Schlott Realtors as Vice President and later Coldwell Banker as Vice President and Regional Executive for NJ/NY Metro.
Throughout the 1970’s, he was very active within the community and professional real estate related organizations. Joe was elected President of the Somerset Hills YMCA (1971-1973), as well served on the Executive Committee for an additional six years and was appointed Chairman of the Development Committee responsible for raising funds and oversight of construction for the Engelhard Pool facility on Mt. Airy in Basking Ridge. Additional community involvement included: Somerset Hills Jaycees (award the Distinguished Service Award in 1969); the Bernardsville Rotary; Community Chest (Executive Committee Member); BRC-Little Guys Basketball Coach and others. Joe was also a longtime member of the Roxiticus Golf Club located in Mendham, NJ.
Professionally, Joe was President/Owner of Boulderwood Corp. and B.W.B.B. Inc, leading to the development of over 280 acres of residential subdivisions within Bernardsville. He was elected chairman of the MLS committee in 1970 and President of the Somerset County Board of Realtors in 1971. Additional professional affiliations included: N.J. Association of Real Estate Boards; National Association of Real Estate Boards; National Institute of Real Estate Brokers; Somerset and Morris Home Builders Association; as well becoming a certified residential appraiser.
After moving to The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah over 30 years ago, Joe continued his enthusiasm for golf and was a longtime member of the Wednesday Warriors. He also rediscovered his passion for the water and became a certified U.S.C.G. captain. During his 25 years on the water, Joe offered wildlife tours based out of Delegal Creek Marina and educated thousands of families, their children and their grandchildren. Most notable guests included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and family, as well as, Prince Albert of Monaco. Joe was an active member of: the Landings Club; the Landings Yacht Club; the Savannah Sport Fishing Club and many others. In 2000, Joe volunteered to spearheaded the design and renovation of The Landings Company Sales Office on Skidaway.
He is survived by his devoted wife Linda, of 55 years and three loving children and five grandchildren: Daughter - Lisa Benasher, husband Steven and daughters Sara Marie and Hannah Adele of Harrisonburg, VA; Son - Joseph D. Dobbs Jr. wife Rebecca and daughters Catherine Austin, Emily Carol and Olivia Cameron of Charlotte, NC; David J. Dobbs and his wife Marlyn of Atlanta, GA; Also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Schaer of Gainesville, Fl and brother Richard of California.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.
Linda: Sorry to hear about Joe. Don Schneider
- Don Schneider, Pinehurst, nc
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the East Coast Dobbs families. --Jeff Dobbs, (youngest son of Richard Dobbs, Joe's brother).
- Jeff Dobbs, Arroyo Grande, CA
Happened to go online to read about the death of Jane Zimmerman and saw Joe's obituary. So sad. Linda I hope you are surrounded by those who love you. Haven't seen or heard about you and your family for years. However I remember all fondly. Life is so bitter sweet. Claire O'Brien, formerly of Bernardsville
- Claire O'Brien, Kingston, NY
My condolences to all. I will remember Joe as president of the "Live Y'ers YMCA club at Bernards High.
- Kent Loudon, BHS '58, Somerville, NJ
Captain Joe will be greatly missed not only by our family but every family whom he "touched" . His love and respect of our Skidaway Island waters which he shared with all of us daily, will always be remembered by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. When any of our children made plans to come visit us their first question before booking their tickets was always, "make sure that Captain Joe can take us out to see the Dolphins"! Joe's love of the water and especially his love and respect for our local Dolphin's was magical for all of us. Our grandchildren can still remember Buddy! Captain Joe made so many wonderful memories for our family and every family who knew him. Captain Joe will be deeply missed.
- Tamie & Philip Peters, Savannah, GA
Hi Linda, Just Friday, October 28th, my Joe and I were at Delegal talking with Joel Formby about your Joe and wondering why we didn't see him. I hope you are OK.
- Joe and Karen Barr, Savannah, GA
David, I was so sorry to learn today that your Dad had passed away last week. You and Marilyn have been so devoted to your Dad's care as well as helping your Mother during this difficult time. It has been a long haul, but rest assured your Dad is finally at peace. Your Dad had an amazing life and certainly lived it to the fullest. Blessings to you and your entire family.
- Chris Norwood, Johns Creek, GA
My condolences to all of those who knew and love Mr Dobbs. I am thankful that I was able to meet such a kind person even if only for a brief moment. I know that he will be greatly missed by all. I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that no one could ever ask for a more loving and supportive family as Mr Dobbs received during his illness.
- Beverly McDaniel, Savannah, GA,
I took a lot of boat rides with Mr Dobbs and I am lucky enough to have seen and felt his love for the water and the nature around. I always listened and tried to take in as much as I could. I will miss you Mr. Dobbs. Captain
- Patrick Calver , Savannah , Ga
Linda and family: I remember Joe as such a delightful, fun-loving young man of 13 when I first visited Ell's family in 1953. Later, Joe was a groomsman in our wedding, and so handsome! 19+ years later, he met my plane from Houston with Ell's body, and hardly left my side in the days of arrangements for our Memorial Celebration. He sold my Mother her home and sold both Stan's and my homes as we later moved to new addresses. Much Later he moved your family to Skidaway Island and began a pleasure-boating business - definitely his joy-filled "calling." You have three fine adult children and five grandchildren. Sadly, we lost touch in recent years, but I always thought of him on his February 12th birthday! He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, I know! If I am able, I want to honor my Ell by attending any memorial service you may have. RIP, Joe - memories of you make me smile broadly! ? ?
- Carleene (Dobbs) Hubbard, Saint Johns, FL
Linda, Diane and I are so very sorry to hear about Joe and we wanted you to know that we share in your grief. I remember the times Joe and I spent at Briny Breezes in the winter and some of the stuff we use to do as young kids. We also remember our younger days here in Bernardsville where we still reside in the summer and go to Boynton Beach, Fla. in the winter.
- Diane and Haas Gallaway, Bernardsville, N.J.,
Linda: Sorry to hear about Joe. Don Schneider
- Don Schneider, Pinehurst, nc
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the East Coast Dobbs families. --Jeff Dobbs, (youngest son of Richard Dobbs, Joe's brother).
- Jeff Dobbs, Arroyo Grande, CA
Happened to go online to read about the death of Jane Zimmerman and saw Joe's obituary. So sad. Linda I hope you are surrounded by those who love you. Haven't seen or heard about you and your family for years. However I remember all fondly. Life is so bitter sweet. Claire O'Brien, formerly of Bernardsville
- Claire O'Brien, Kingston, NY
My condolences to all. I will remember Joe as president of the "Live Y'ers YMCA club at Bernards High.
- Kent Loudon, BHS '58, Somerville, NJ
Captain Joe will be greatly missed not only by our family but every family whom he "touched" . His love and respect of our Skidaway Island waters which he shared with all of us daily, will always be remembered by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. When any of our children made plans to come visit us their first question before booking their tickets was always, "make sure that Captain Joe can take us out to see the Dolphins"! Joe's love of the water and especially his love and respect for our local Dolphin's was magical for all of us. Our grandchildren can still remember Buddy! Captain Joe made so many wonderful memories for our family and every family who knew him. Captain Joe will be deeply missed.
- Tamie & Philip Peters, Savannah, GA
Hi Linda, Just Friday, October 28th, my Joe and I were at Delegal talking with Joel Formby about your Joe and wondering why we didn't see him. I hope you are OK.
- Joe and Karen Barr, Savannah, GA
David, I was so sorry to learn today that your Dad had passed away last week. You and Marilyn have been so devoted to your Dad's care as well as helping your Mother during this difficult time. It has been a long haul, but rest assured your Dad is finally at peace. Your Dad had an amazing life and certainly lived it to the fullest. Blessings to you and your entire family.
- Chris Norwood, Johns Creek, GA
My condolences to all of those who knew and love Mr Dobbs. I am thankful that I was able to meet such a kind person even if only for a brief moment. I know that he will be greatly missed by all. I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that no one could ever ask for a more loving and supportive family as Mr Dobbs received during his illness.
- Beverly McDaniel, Savannah, GA,
I took a lot of boat rides with Mr Dobbs and I am lucky enough to have seen and felt his love for the water and the nature around. I always listened and tried to take in as much as I could. I will miss you Mr. Dobbs. Captain
- Patrick Calver , Savannah , Ga
Linda and family: I remember Joe as such a delightful, fun-loving young man of 13 when I first visited Ell's family in 1953. Later, Joe was a groomsman in our wedding, and so handsome! 19+ years later, he met my plane from Houston with Ell's body, and hardly left my side in the days of arrangements for our Memorial Celebration. He sold my Mother her home and sold both Stan's and my homes as we later moved to new addresses. Much Later he moved your family to Skidaway Island and began a pleasure-boating business - definitely his joy-filled "calling." You have three fine adult children and five grandchildren. Sadly, we lost touch in recent years, but I always thought of him on his February 12th birthday! He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, I know! If I am able, I want to honor my Ell by attending any memorial service you may have. RIP, Joe - memories of you make me smile broadly! ? ?
- Carleene (Dobbs) Hubbard, Saint Johns, FL
Linda, Diane and I are so very sorry to hear about Joe and we wanted you to know that we share in your grief. I remember the times Joe and I spent at Briny Breezes in the winter and some of the stuff we use to do as young kids. We also remember our younger days here in Bernardsville where we still reside in the summer and go to Boynton Beach, Fla. in the winter.
- Diane and Haas Gallaway, Bernardsville, N.J.,
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
