Obituary of Donald H. Hutchinson

Donald H. Hutchinson, on December 26, 2021 of Hi-Nella, age 71. Loving husband of the late Marilyn Brownell Hutchinson. Devoted father of Laura White (Peter), Marie Elcin (Erkan), and Holly Hartline (Greg). Proud grandfather of Jonathan, Peter, Matthew, Zillah, James, Scott, and Owen.  Also survived by his brother Roger N. Hutchinson III (Maryann) and sister, Sue H. Key (Roger). 

Donald was a lifelong resident of Hi-Nella and was a graduate of Collingswood HS. Donald met the love of his life, Marilyn, while in college at Rutgers University earning a BS in Engineering. They built a happy life together for more than 43 years, enjoying the outdoors and travelling across the country as active canoers, campers, and history buffs. While the majority of his career was spent as a Systems Analyst for CIGNA, his life was filled with passion and purpose, showing his love and care for his family, friends, and community. Don was a skilled photographer, loved trains and trolleys, and tinkering with all manner of things that could go. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, made several trips to Philmont Scout Reservation, and served as an adult leader with Boy Scout Troop 118 in Merchantville. 

Donald was a living history reenactor for more than 20 years portraying a soldier in the Continental Army at many events in the Philadelphia region with the 2nd NJ Lawrie’s Company and the 5th PA Light Infantry. He was a member of the Vagabonds Drum and Bugle Corps. Service to others was a value he held highly. Donald was involved in several fraternal organizations including Haddon Grange #38,USS NJ Lodge #62, Crescent Shrine, the Scottish Rite, Eastern Square Wheelers, and Athene #201 Order of the Eastern Star. He served Hi-Nella as a council person in the 1990s, and could often be seen on the town truck, helping with recycling and snow plowing. Donald also served for many years on the Vestry and choir at Grace Episcopal Church Merchantville, where he attended for over 40 years. In the past 2 years of the pandemic, he enjoyed facilitating a live-streamed Compline service on Monday evenings with his daughter Holly’s family. 

Burial at Haddonfield Baptist Cemetery will be private. Relatives and friends will be invited to attend a Memorial Ceremony at a future date TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 would be appreciated. Arrangements under the direction of the DANKS-HINSKI FUNERAL HOME, LINDENWOLD NJ. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.