John Edward Hutchinson

1921 - 2018

John Edward Hutchinson, 96, recently retired Chief of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department, died Sunday, April 15, 2018. "Hutch," as he was well known, was born Nov. 13, 1921, in Greensburg, a son of the late Greensburg Chief of Police, Walter J. Hutchinson and Hilda Mary (Sorenson) Hutchinson. Hutch was the president and co-founder of Hutchinson and Gunter Inc., Greensburg. He was a 1939 graduate of Greensburg High School and served in the Marine Corps. He was a member of First Christian Church, Greensburg. Hutch was a member of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department for 78 years. He began his tenure as the 11th fire chief for the City of Greensburg in 1953 and served for 63 years, retiring in 2016. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores I. (Kralik) Hutchinson, Feb. 9, 2018; and his brother, the late state legislator, Amos K. Hutchinson and wife, Louise (Bompiani) Hutchinson. He is survived by two sons, Keith Hutchinson and wife, Marie, and Kevin Hutchinson and wife, Roxanne, all of Greensburg; his daughter, Karen Hutchinson, of Greensburg; eight grandchildren, John Hutchinson (Katie), Katie McMichael (Jimmy), Patrick Hutchinson (Kala), Stacy Stepanovich (Mike Williams), Shelly Stepanovich, Scott Stepanovich, Melissa Hutchinson Christy (Evan) and Kellie Hutchinson; six great-grandchildren, Ty, Max, Ella and Eddie Hutchinson and Henry and Samuel McMichael; his sister, Helen Adisey, of Greensburg; and several nieces and nephews, including Dr. James Adisey.
Honoring Hutch's request, a private family viewing and service will be held in the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton St., Greensburg. Private interment with the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard and full military honors accorded by the VFW Post No. 33 Honor Guard will take place in Union Cemetery, Hempfield Township. There will be a public memorial service at 2 p.m. Sunday in The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greensburg Salem High School Fitness Center, 65 Mennel Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601, or the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, 715 Franklin St., Greensburg, PA 15601. The Hutchinson family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, the 6th floor medical staff and Excela Hospice. www.bachafh.com.