Obituary of Joseph P. Hines Jr.

Joseph P Hines Jr, age 80, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on Monday March 27, 2023.

Born on January 3, 1943 in Poughkeepsie to Joseph and Madaline (Leo) Hines, Joe was a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie. He graduated with the first Our Lady of Lourdes High School graduation class in 1962. Fulfilling his dream to be a firefighter, upon graduation he joined both the Arlington Fire District and Fire Department of City of New York, (33 Truck in The Bronx). Five years later he was appointed lieutenant in Arlington. His service as a firefighter was tragically cut short when he had a motorcycle accident in 1967, leaving him totally blind. However, Joe’s journey would continue with passion and purpose. With the support of his family and help of his first Seeing Eye Dog, Siri, he went on to pursue degrees from Marist College and Syracuse University. Post-graduation, he enjoyed a 20-year career at IBM in Poughkeepsie in the field of Human Resources and Management Development that included his second Seeing Eye Dog, Tanya, at the helm. After a brief retirement, Joe suddenly felt a call to serve his fellow brothers in the fire service after the tragedy of 9/11/2001. His career came full circle when he joined the Fire Department for the City of New York Counselling Services Unit. Through this new life adventure, he would discover more lifelong brothers (retired firefighters). Their mentorship and camaraderie helped guide current FDNY firefighters through the 9/11 disaster. Joe would then retire 10 years later, travelling and enjoying hobbies with his third Seeing Eye Dog, Elton.

Joe valued community service and served on various boards including: Arlington Central School District Board of Education, Lagrange Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, Board of Directors of Abilities First. His service did not go unrecognized and in 2006, he was awarded the American Red Cross Hometown Hero award for his Lifetime Contributions.

Joe was a member of the Uniform Fire Fighter’s Association, FDNY Counseling Unit, Emerald Society, Holy Name Society for the Fire Department of New York. He was a Life Member of the Arlington Engine Company 1 and the Arlington Professional Fire Fighter’s Local 2393. Over the years, Joe also served as a member of the Dutchess County Critical Incident Response Team, the Town of Poughkeepsie Lions Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

In addition to his passion for the fire service and its history, Joe was an avid Yankee fan. He also enjoyed learning about Civil War History and antique cars. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Red Hook Car Club, and Hudson Valley Region Model A Restorers Club.

Joe is survived by his wife Karen, son Joseph, daughter Tammy and her husband Nicholas Souza, grandchildren Theodore and Norah, Seeing Eye Dog Graham and his German Shepard friend Maggie.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Theresa Davey, daughter Kim Denis, and sister Tammi.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Arlington Fire District, Lagrange Fire District, and many retired Fire Department of New York Firefighter Peer Counselors for their ongoing love and support. In addition, we would like to thank the hospital staff at Vassar Brother’s Medical Center for their excellent care.

Calling Hours will be held Monday, April 3, 2023, from 5pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, New York. Funeral Services will be at 10am, Tuesday April 4, 2023 at Church of the Holy Trinity, 775 Main St, Poughkeepsie, followed by burial at St. Peter's Cemetery. A Celebration of Life to follow at Mahoney’s Irish Pub, 35 Main Street Poughkeepsie. All are welcome.

Memorial donations can be made to The Seeing Eye, PO BOX 375 Morristown, NJ 07963 or by visiting their website at https://www.seeingeye.org/.

If you would like to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com