David F. Hitchman

David Francis Hitchman passed away too soon at his home on June 22nd, 2025. Born on April 7, 1972, to Arthur and Claire Hitchman, David was a lifelong Melrosian who deeply loved the city he called home.

David grew up cherishing every moment of his childhood-riding bikes, with his brother, fishing, and running through the neighborhood with friends. A proud graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1991, David held his high school friends close to his heart and spoke of them often, no matter where his life took him.

He went on to attend UMass Amherst, where he became a proud brother of Theta Chi and built great friendships and beautiful relationships. During those years, he adopted his beloved dog, Shane. After earning his degree, David pursued his legal education at the Massachusetts School of Law and proudly became an attorney. He began his career as a public defender, where his passion for a good argument never went unnoticed.

David's greatest joy in life came with the birth of his children, Sarah and Nicholas-the true loves of his life. He beamed with pride watching Sarah thrive in school and Nicholas grow into a talented athlete and kind young man. David had a special connection with children and was always the adult you'd find talking with the kids instead of the grown-ups.

He cherished his time with family-cousins' weekends, the annual brunch, Christmas Eves, skiing in North Conway, Hampton Beach trips, and meals from Billy's Roast Beef. These traditions brought him joy.

David leaves behind his children, Sarah and Nicholas, and their mother Stacy; his mother Claire; his brother Arthur and sister-in-law Lauren; his sister Jill and brother-in-law Michael Leeman. He was a devoted uncle to Olivia, Sophia, Arthur, Alexandra, Katie, Megan, and Caroline. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Hitchman, who passed just six months prior.

David's life was defined by his deep love for his family and the people who never gave up on him. He faced the struggles of addiction for much of his adult life, a burden that ultimately became too heavy to carry. Though this world may have felt too big for him, his love, laughter, and memories will remain with us always.

Rest in peace, David. You were deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, from 8:00AM-10:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, following the visitation at the funeral home. Interment to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.