Fred E. "Skip" Hatch Jr.

Fred "Skip" Eugene Hatch, Jr., age 78, of Elizabeth City, NC, died at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Born in Medford, MA, on February 12, 1948, to the late Fred E. Hatch, Sr., and Mildred E. Graffam Hatch, he was the husband of Donna Grace Hatch.

Skip honorably served his country in the United States Navy for 14 years, including time during the Vietnam War. His commitment to service extended beyond his military career. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Vets of America, Post #631, and held lifetime memberships with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In his professional life, Skip worked as an aviation mechanic for the military, a role in which he took great pride and dedication. Outside of his professional commitments, he found joy in life's simpler pleasures. Skip loved to eat, fish, hunt, and had a fondness for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. These passions brought him joy and connected him with others who shared his interests.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by a daughter, Pam Jordan (Tim); two sons, Fred E. Hatch III (Chelli), and Brian D. Hatch (Missy); a sister, Debra Paicopolos (Harry); eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, and one on the way. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dana Hatch.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Twiford Memorial Chapel, with Chaplain Kevin Reiver officiating. A graveside committal with Military Honors will take place at West Lawn Cemetery. The family will greet family and friends immediately following the service in the chapel lobby.

Skip will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his camaraderie with fellow veterans, and his love of the outdoors and simple pleasures. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Flowers are welcome, or you may donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 (https://www.t2t.org).

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Hatch Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.