Franklyn Donald Hutchings

Franklyn Donald Hutchings
Franklyn Donald Hutchings, known to his friends and relatives as Donald or "Hutch," passed away on September 4th, at The Village at South Farms Assisted Living and Memory Care facility at the age of 94. Born on January 7th, 1931, to Franklyn H. Hutchings and Clara Elizabeth Roberts, "Hutch" was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and of Bryant College. His career in the accounting and insurance world saw him working at Raymond Engineering, Aetna Life and Casualty Company, and for the State of Connecticut. "Hutch" was a Korean War Air Force Veteran, and during his retirement years he enjoyed welcoming home service men and women as part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. He also visited local schools where he spoke about his Korean War experience and being a proud Air Force veteran.
Most notably, he and his wife Marian spent many years working for the benefit of those born with Down Syndrome and other intellectual challenges. As part of a core group of families, he helped to build the Middlesex Association for Retarded Children, later renamed the Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens (MARC) and known today as ARC, where he served on the Board of Directors as the organization's treasurer for many years; additionally, he was the treasurer for the state organization ARC Connecticut. "Hutch" also helped with coordinating the Middlesex Youth Association for Retarded Citizens during the early 1970s, a program sponsored by Xavier High School and Brother Robert Houlihan, CFX, and he also was involved with the Special Olympics during its early years. "Hutch's" accounting skills and mindfulness were called upon by several organizations where he found himself treasurer of the group, including Trinity Episcopal Parish in Portland. "Hutch" was an avid reader of World War II military history and biographies. He loved his dogs, keeping track of the stock market, socializing with friends at church and in downtown Portland, and vacationing in Chatham on Cape Cod with his wife Marian and his sister-in-law, Dorothy O'Rourke.
He was married to Marian for 64 years and is survived by a son, Dr. Robert Hutchings of Jacksonville, Florida, and some nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marian McGuinness Hutchings, a son Charles Hutchings, and a brother Richard E. Hutchings of Canton. A private graveside service and burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery Middletown. Memorial donations may be sent to MARC Community Resources 25 Industrial Park Road Middletown, CT. 06457or to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice 2080 Silas Deane Highway Suite 204A, Rocky Hill, CT. 06067.
The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements.