Russell Hutchins

Russell M. Hutchins, 84, of Winter Street in St. Johnsbury, Vt. passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019, at the Pines Rehabilitation & Health Center in Lyndonville.

Russ was born in Newton, MA on April 29, 1934, to William R. and Eloise (Hubbard) Hutchins.  He was raised and educated in Raynham, MA and Taunton, MA graduating from Taunton High School, Class of 1952.  He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1956 and then continued on in night school for his MBA.  Russ was enrolled in Army ROTC through high school and college.  He served for 12 years in Army Reserve and active duty, and retired as a Captain.  In 1959, Russ married Charlotte Allen. In 1975 they moved the family to St. Johnsbury where Russ worked as Vice President of Finance for Fairbank Scales until 1984 when he retired.

As an avid outdoors person, Russ loved hunting, fishing, hiking and biking.  He collected coins and loved telling stories.  He was very involved in church and community, and was a very active member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury. Russ also coordinated lay witness missions throughout New England.  He was a member of the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Board of Directors, attended many high school sporting events, and could always be seen walking around town.  At the Summer St. school playground, he was known by all as “Uncle Russ”. Starting when their oldest was 2, every summer the family visited Pemaquid Point, ME, a favorite trip for Russ, which he and Charlotte continued into their retirement. He and Charlotte also wintered in Arizona for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years: Charlotte A. Hutchins of St. Johnsbury; three sons: David and his wife, Valarie Lipka, of Westford, VT, James and his wife, Reinette, of Waterford, VT, and Robert and his wife, Erin, of Austin, TX; a brother: Donald and wife, Rejanne, of Newton, MA; a sister: Alberta Dearborn and husband, David, of Groton, MA; nine grandchildren: Holly Chew and husband, Matthew, Alex Hutchins and wife, Brooke, Sam Hutchins and partner, Erin Reiner, Victoria and Jonah Hutchins, Abram and Calvin Hutchins and Leah Rivers and Alexis Lussier; and a great-grandchild due in March.

Russ was predeceased by his parents: William and Eloise Hutchins; and his mother-in-law: Edna Marvel.

A Funeral Service officiated by Rev. Hyung-Kyu Yi will take place Friday, February 1, 2019, 2PM, at Grace United Methodist Church, 36 Central Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Burial will be in the spring on Friday, May 24, 2019, 3PM at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Donations in Russ’ name can be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 36 Central Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Alzheimers Association, Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Dr. Suite 128, Williston, VT 05446.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.saylesfh.com.