Obituary of Frank Benedict Hutchinson

Frank Benedict Hutchinson, “Hutch” passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 23, 2018 in the Villages, FL following a brief, courageous battle with cancer.  Hutch was born in North East, PA on 10/28/1930 to the late Lloyd and Marian Hutchinson.  He met his future bride, Mary Joan Allen while teaching her to jitterbug.  They began dating as young teens and married 12/27/1952 the same year both graduated from Thiel College.  Over their 65 year marriage, their home on Park Street became their center, raising two daughters and nurturing five grandchildren.  In 2008 they moved permanently to the Villages, FL.  Daughters Mary Ellen O’Brien and husband Gregory of Shavertown, PA and Carol Canter and husband James of  Erie, PA and grandchildren Dr. Mark O’Brien (Katelyn), Katherine (Christopher) Sheppard, Kristen (Michael) Labagh, Bryan Uglow and Sarah Uglow will miss their trips to the gorge with Hutchie.  He was preceded in death by siblings Doris Carbagh, Robert (Watesah), Clarence (Jeanette), Harold (Gerri) and several nieces and nephews.

A 1948 graduate of  NEHS, 1952 B.A. Thiel College and 1961 M.Ed. from Penn State equipped Frank to share a love of the written word  (becoming quite a raconteur) and literature with countless students.  A 37 year career as teacher and Chairman of the English Dept. at Westfield Academy in Westfield, NY, followed by teaching indigenous people and two summers teaching ESL in Poland and the Ukraine transitioned him into the collegiate ranks.  Adjunct professor at Villa Women’s College, Gannon University, Penn State Behrend and Lake Sumter Community College in FL extended his desire to help students pursue their dreams. 

He is a past board member of both the McCord Memorial Library and the Erie County Library Association.  Besides spearheading a restoration and fundraising for an addition of the McCord Library he was also instrumental in maintaining its independence.  An annual service award in his honor are a testament to his contributions.  A former elder of the First Presbyterian Church, North East, Hutch led the fundraising and restoration of the community hall, wheelchair access and etched windows.

A memorial service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd, The Villages, FL on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the McCord Memorial Library, North East or the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL  32778.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hiers-baxley.com.