Richard M. Hitchcock

Richard M. Hitchcock, 86, of Springfield, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 3, 2017, at Springfield Hospital. He was born July 20,1930, in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Ivan and Blanche (Butterfield) Hitchcock. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School and the Co-Op Program in 1949.

Richard served in the United States Army National Guard Company D from 1950 to 1953, during the Korean War.

On July 17, 1954 he married Nancy Spaulding in Springfield, Vermont.

He was employed in the pattern shop at Jones & Lamson Machine Tool Company for a short time before starting his 32-year career as head of the survey division of Dufresne-Henry Engineering in North Springfield, Vermont. He enjoyed all aspects of woodworking. He owned and operated Sign Crafter for 25 years creating hand-carved wooden signs.

Richard had an inventive mind. He looked at the world with a unique perspective, an attribute he passed along to his children.

He was an active lifetime member of the Springfield United Methodist Church. He was a youth leader for many years and held a variety of offices within the church. He made the wooden sign for the church. Richard loved to talk about the Bible and share his faith with others.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of North Springfield; three daughters, Patricia Doherty and her husband, Gerard, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, JoAnn Grey of Wichita Falls, Texas and Margaret Hitchcock-Steger and her husband, Kurt, of Brooklyn, New York; six grandchildren, William Doherty, Eliza Kennedy, Timothy Doherty, Matthew Grey, Stephanie Gorham and Whitney Philippi; five great-grandchildren, Allison Doherty, Kaitlyn, Greyson, Lily and Sally Gorham; as well as many nieces, nephews and their spouses.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; brothers Raymond and Robert Hitchcock; sister Priscilla Connor; nephew Raymond Jr.; and son-in-law Stephen Grey.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at the United Methodist Church in Springfield, Vermont. Pastor Gerry Piper will officiate. A private family burial will be held a later date.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name, please consider the Springfield United Methodist Church, 10 Valley St., Springfield, VT 05156.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

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