John C. Hatch

 

 John C. Hatch died March 27, 2007 in Needham, MA after a seven year battle with Alzheimer's disease.  He matriculated with our class after graduating from Marshfield,MA high school in 1943 and serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton through the end of World War II.

In our freshman year John roomed in 205 Steeter with Gary Mansur.  As sophomores, they moved with Tom Porter and Jim Tobin to 208 Richardson.  John took a leave of absence later, returning to graduate in 1953 while retaining membership in the Class of '51.

John spent his entire business career in the insurance industry, rising to partnership in two Boston firms and subsequently founding Hatch, Anderson, O'Donnell in suburban Arlington, MA.  His service in civic, fraternal and cultural affairs was dedicated and diverse.  He served as our Head Class Agent for the Alumni Fund in 1965 and, for a number of years, chaired admission candidate enrollment interviewing in the greater Needham, MA community.

In the town of Needham, he served for a decade on personnel and finance committtees and finally was elected Selectman.  A dedicated dog lover, John was a director and chairman of the Animal Rescue League of Boston for many years.  His other executive board affiliations included the Massachusetts Association of the Blind, South Norfolk County Association for Retarded Citizens, and the Algonquin Club of Boston.  He was a 32nd degree Mason.

John married Sherry Howell of Wilkes Barre, PA in 1956.  Over the years, they traveled by sea virtually around the world.  He is survived by their children Christopher, Mark '80 and Melissa and ten grandchildren.

A memorial service was held April 14, 2007.  At John's request, his body was donated to Harvard Medical School for research in Alzheimer's disease, followed by cremation and private burial.