Clem W. Hitchcock

1935 - 2013

Clem W. Hitchcock, 78, of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford with his loving family and friends by his side. He was born in Hartford on August 25, 1935 to Wolcott T. and Marjorie (Pitkin) Hitchcock. He grew up in Hartford and Wethersfield and graduated Watkinson School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1958 where he studied sociology. After graduation, he was a Research Analyst for the State of Connecticut in the Labor Department for 34 years.
Clem loved to sing and had a beautiful bass voice. While in college he sang in chorale and concert choir. From 1959-1971 he sang with the Hartford Chorale. For many years he sang at summer productions with the Berkshire Choral Festival in Sheffield, MA. Clem was also active in many Connecticut choral organizations such as Beethoven Chorus, Farmington Valley Chorale, Middletuners, Wesleyan Singers (14 years), and the Meriden Community Chorus. He attended Church Music Explosion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for seven years, as well as participating in musical activities at nine Elder Hostels held at Kent School. He loved attending the Hymn Society annual convention held in a different city each year.
He was a member of the Association of Connecticut Choruses and sang with several Central Connecticut church choirs. He especially enjoyed performing with the New Britain Musical Club where he loved singing The Messiah. For ten years he was a Bass Soloist and Section Leader for the Second Baptist Church in Suffield. Clem also loved singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at agricultural fairs, and sports events such as the Rock Cats games. He was thrilled to sing it at a UCONN Hockey game last year. Clem especially enjoyed singing with many of the above groups and performing solos at convalescent homes to cheer up the residents.
Clem enjoyed many other activities. He loved playing duplicate bridge and completed the requirements for Life Master in 1980. He competed all over the country. Flower gardening was also dear to his heart. He exhibited many varieties in Connecticut Agricultural Fairs where he won many blue ribbons.
Clem was predeceased by his parents, Wolcott and Marjorie Hitchcock. He leaves behind his sister, Marcella James and her husband Frank of Tolland, a nephew, Dean James and his partner Donna Hine, his grandnieces Dawn and Jessica James, and grandnephews David James, John Hine, and Joseph Hine. He also leaves several cousins and numerous friends.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 10:00 a. m. at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church, UCC, 805 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill. Family and friends may call at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill on Sunday, September 29th from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2080 Silas Deane Hwy, 2nd Floor, and Rocky Hill, CT 06067.