WESTFIELD-Donald W. Hatch, 92, of Westfield died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Don, son of the late Ernest F. and Blanche (Levere), was born in Westfield on July 19th, 1922. Raised in Westfield, he went to local schools, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Westfield High in 1940. He attended American International College in Springfield where his education was interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the Navy in May of 1942 and became a commissioned officer in February 1944, completing his AIC curriculum at Trinity College with the Navy. He served on the USS George W. Ingram, a Destroyer Escort boat, in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatre. He was very proud of his service and attended ship reunions well into his 80’s. Upon his return, Don graduated from AIC and became a teacher in the Westfield School System from 1947 to 1954. He joined the Springfield School System in 1955 and was named Assistant Principal of Classical High School in 1956. He was named Principal of the new Westfield Junior High in 1961 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of The National Association of Secondary School Principals, serving on their Board of Directors from 1975-79. Don married the late Doris R. Armstrong in 1944. They were together for 60 years until her passing in 2004. He leaves 4 sons; D. William Jr. and his wife Laurie from Longmeadow; Tom and his wife Diane from Housatonic; Michael and his wife Kathleen from Springfield; and Jeffrey and his wife Mary Beth of Westfield. Don was very proud of his 10 grandchildren who all had great times with “Pa”-Kathy Vega, Jim Hatch, Pete Hatch, Courtney Hatch-Blauvelt, Kyle Hatch, Bridget Chalk, Tricia Hatch, Norah Hatch, Nicole Wahlberg and Kimberly Hatch. He also leaves 10 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Pellan in 2014. Barb, her four children and their families, were an important part of Don’s life. Don was a life-long communicant at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield, serving as a lector and a worker at the church’s weekly bingo. He enjoyed walking around Westfield and traveling, especially to the Cape with Dorrie. A big Red Sox fan, trips to Fenway Park was a summer ritual. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and took great pride in the educational and professional accomplishments of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. No one attended more youth sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, award assemblies or graduations than Pa. After spending over 50 years on South Maple Street, Don spent his last 4 years at The American Inn in Southwick. His quality of life was great and he and his family had nothing but praise for the staff, especially the aides in the Assisted Living wing. The funeral for Don will be held on Monday, January 26th at 9:30 am from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday at the funeral home from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United States Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004 or to the Sarah Gillette Foundation, P.O. Box 858, Westfield, MA 01086.
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