Earl Leonard “Hutch” Hutchins, Sr., age 69 years, died peacefully on Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Gainesville, FL, December 21, 1948, son of the late Roswell Lewis and Patricia Lee Cumbie Hutchins, Hutch was raised in Bucks County, PA. He had lived at the Hunterdon Care Center for the last two years, having formerly lived in Ringoes, NJ and Coopersburg, PA.

He had worked for many years as a Shift Supervisor for Bethlehem Steel and later went on to own and operate his own home and antique restoration business, “Hutch’s Enterprises,” operated out of Coopersburg, PA.

With Hutch, family always came first. He was an extremely hard worker who didn’t know the meaning of the word, “no.” He was the man who would give the proverbial shirt off his back to help a family member, a friend or even a stranger in their time of need.

Loved by many and challenged by few, Hutch was the person who would listen to anyone without judging them. Loving and giving are two words which truly describe the man behind the smile that was so often seen on his face.

Twenty-five years ago, Hutch received a diagnosis that would of crushed some people: he was told that he had Multiple Sclerosis. In typical Hutch fashion, he did not let that stop him from doing anything.

The disease would never get the best of him, and he always managed to find away around the many ills that MS causes to those afflicted with it.

He lived independently as long as possible, then moved in with his only sister, who vowed to be by his side through this entire journey, no matter where it took them.

His sister, Klyda, says of her brother, “Hutch was a mentor, a protector and my best friend.” She lovingly cared for him to the best of her ability for over twelve years, and then they decided two years ago it would be best for him to move to the Hunterdon Care Center as his medical needs became too great to be handled in a home setting. That did not stop the love or the care provided to Hutch by her and other family and friends.

Anyone who knows Hutch, would not be surprised to hear that he had earned the title of, “Mayor of Hunterdon Care Center,” as he was loved by other residents and staff alike.

He would always be doing for others at HCC as well; making sure that people who didn’t have many visitors always had someone to talk with. Making sure that smiles were left wherever he went. Ensuring that staff, no matter how hard the care needed was, always felt his appreciation and gratitude.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those at Hunterdon Care Center for the loving care they took of Hutch over the past several years.

Though gone from this physical world, Hutch’s legacy will forever be emblazed upon the many hearts he touched throughout his life. He would not want sadness to take over those very hearts and minds of those feeling his loss, but rather would want them to rejoice that he is no longer in pain and will be very much continue to be a guardian angel to all who need him.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Lenny and Kristen Hutchins; a daughter and son-in-law, Crystal Lynn and Jamason Buchert; his sister, Klyda Hutchins; an aunt, Roberta Hutchins; his grandchildren, Zachary and his wife, Angelena Hutchins, Alexandria, Kathryn and Dylan Hutchins, Chayse Werthwine, and Riley Buchert; his great grandchildren, Logan and Jason Hutchins; his niece and nephews, Ashlee Hunsbedt, Scott Williamson and his wife, Kelly, and Stefan Hunsbedt; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Hutch’s life will take place on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home from 10:00-11:30 a.m. prior to the service to help share stories with one another about the life of this wonderful and fun man.

Hutch will be buried with his parents in a private ceremony in Erwinna, PA.

Please visit his permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: New Jersey Metro Chapter, Aspen Corporate Park 1, 1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 301, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 or online by clicking HERE. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by the family.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”