Joseph Charles Hyde

Joseph Charles Hyde, 67 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was called to a higher service on September 19, 2025. Born in Denver, Colorado, he was the eldest son of the late, Wilbur S. and Emily (Sertich) Hyde. He graduated from New Haven High School and attended Indiana University pursuing a degree in piano performance. At the time of his passing, he was semi-retired after a long career in sales and kitchen/bath design and was a self-proclaimed “jack of all trades.” For those who knew him, Joe was a devoted New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan, a true “people person”, quick witted, and always had a good story to tell. His true passion, however, was music. When he sat down at the piano, he had a unique gift for being able to select the exact music, for any occasion, that created an atmosphere that touched the hearts and souls of those in attendance. He was a light, a protector, and a true friend. His presence will be missed, but his spirit will live on in every story, every smile, every song, and every quiet moment of remembrance.

Surviving are his wife, Rita (Hrul) Hyde; daughter, Melanie (Bryan) Hyde-McGahan; sister, Julianne Hyde; brother, James Allen (Carrie) Hyde; niece, Hannah Hyde; nephew, Isaac Hyde, and three grandchildren, Vivienne, Charlotte, and Wyatt McGahan.

He was a member of the Waynedale Masonic Lodge No. 739, Leo Chapter #289 Order of the Eastern Star and Spencerville Chapter #386 Order of the Eastern Star, and funeral services from each organization will be shared at his upcoming memorial service/celebration of life.

Of recent, Joe was dedicated to being involved in a partnership created between ICAN (Indiana Canine Assistant Network) and the Indiana Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star assisting veterans in Northeast Indiana in obtaining a service dog. In lieu of flowers, he asked that memorials be sent to ICAN – 5100 Charles Court, Suite 100, Zionsville, IN 46077 or online at Donate to ICAN: Donate (“In memory of, Brother Joseph Hyde”).