Hugh Parker Hutton

1929 - 2026

Hugh Parker Hutton
1929 - 2026
South Hadley
Hugh Parker Hutton, known lovingly to family and friends as "Scottie" or simply "Q", lived a life marked by quiet strength and an unwavering love for home and family. Born in Philadelphia in 1929 to Hugh Hutton and Jeanie Bovell Hutton, Hugh carried with him a deep pride in his Scottish ancestry, a heritage that shaped his values of family, faith, and steadfastness throughout his life. Though quiet by nature, Hugh was never without a good story to tell. With a quick wit and perfectly timed humor, he brought warmth, smiles, and easy laughter to everyone around him.
Hugh received his early education in Scotland and England, experiences that instilled in him a deep sense of tradition and discipline. As a young man, he returned to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946. His lifelong dedication to service continued in the Air Force Reserve at Westover Air Force Base, where he also attended A&E School at Springfield Airport. As a Reservist, he was called to active duty and served overseas in England and Germany, including assignments in Berlin and Heidelberg. In 1955, Hugh joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard at Westfield, where he served for 39 years, including a deployment to France in 1960. Over the course of a remarkable 39-year military career, he rose to the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). He retired with honors in 1989 from Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield as Quality Assurance Chief, respected by all who served alongside him.
Hugh was predeceased by his first love, wife, and the mother of his three children, Barbara (Hogg) Hutton, who passed away in 1977, and later by his second wife, Barbara (Ellis) Hutton, in 2010. Though he experienced profound loss, Hugh's life remained grounded in love.
His greatest joy and proudest legacy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved children: son Craig Hutton and wife Donna; daughter Cynthia Charette and husband Larry; daughter Melissa Manferdini and husband Michael. Through his marriage to Barbara Ellis, Hugh was also blessed with an extended family, and especially treasured his bond with Carrie Carter.
Hugh was an adoring grandfather to Jeffrey Hutton and wife Beth; Matthew Hutton and wife Meghan; Brad Charette and wife Jane; and Chelsea Kelly and husband Matthew. He was equally cherished by his great-grandchildren: Grahm Hutton, Aubrey Hutton, Rooney Charette, Ellis Kelly, and Luca Hutton, each of whom lovingly knew him as "Grandpa" or "Papa." Nothing brought Hugh greater joy or deeper pride than watching his family grow and carry his love forward.
Among Hugh's belongings was a handwritten note he had carefully kept-a small reflection of the heart and character of the man he was.
"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
Hugh will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who served his country with pride. His life now becomes part of the long family line he cherished so deeply-carried forward with love and, as the Scots say, "in the keeping of the heart."
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Northampton Hospice at https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give-now/
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, March 2nd from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Forestdale Cemetery in Holyoke.