Donald Andrew Hutches


Donald Hutches peacefully passed away on June 5, 2026. Don was born on January 10, 1942, to Marion A. and Leona May Fulford Hutches in their family home on Hutches Road, Mt. Washington, in the Town of Urbana.


While growing up on the family farm, Don became an active member of the local 4-H chapter with his swine and equine projects. His swine projects earned him County Swine Champion honors in two separate years during the 1950s. His commitment to youth development and community service remained a lifelong passion. In recognition of his dedication and impact on young people, Don was inducted into the Camp Gorton Hall of Fame in 1981. Don was also a Grange member for more than 70 years.


Don lived his entire life in the Bath-Hammondsport area and was a proud 1961 graduate of Hammondsport High School.

Prior to graduating from high school, Don began working in the school cafeteria in 1958 during his sophomore year because he wanted to cook. He was drafted in February of 1964 and proudly served his country in the United States Army until 1966. During his military service, Don served as an enlisted aide and cook to the Commanding General at Fort Gordon, Georgia, an assignment that reflected his exceptional culinary skills, professionalism, and dedication.

Following his military service, Don returned home and dedicated the next 40 years of his life to public education and school food service. During the 1966-1967 school year, he became Manager of the Hammondsport school cafeteria while also cooking on weekends at the Steuben County Jail, and at Camp Gorton during the summer months, as well as at several restaurants around Keuka Lake. His time on the lake included positions at Chateau Dugas and seven years at Snug Harbor.

Despite maintaining multiple jobs in the food service industry, Don always found time to give back to his community and care for his family. A true jack-of-all-trades, he was constantly working on home improvement projects and pursuing his love of animals through the small farm he maintained, which included horses, pigs, cows, rabbits, chickens, and even a goat.

Don also somehow found time to coach Little League and proudly served for many years as a member of the Hammondsport Ambulance Crew. His tireless work ethic, generosity, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Throughout his career, Don became recognized as an innovator and leader in school food service. He helped pilot one of the first NY state school breakfast programs, ensuring students began their school day with a nutritious meal. He also worked with the New York State Education Department and SUNY Potsdam in 1991 to help develop and advance food service management programs throughout New York State. Don also supported school classes and groups cooking roast beef and spaghetti dinners before basketball games for the community. In addition, he prepared a lobster and steak dinner for the Annual Band Fundraiser.

In September 1991, Don created the first Shared Cafeteria Management Program between the Hammondsport and Haverling School Districts, a groundbreaking model that became a benchmark for cooperative school food service management. His expertise extended beyond the K-12 system through his work with the VA Culinary program, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the food service profession.

Don also served as Transportation Manager at Hammondsport School for three years during the 1990s while continuing his responsibilities as Cafeteria Manager.

After retiring in January 1997, Don remained as busy as ever. He worked part-time-well, perhaps a bit more - helping others with domestic chores, cleaning houses, laundry, ironing, cooking, organizing, and supervising moving projects. He approached every task with the same work ethic, generosity, and commitment that defined his professional career.

In December 1968, Don married Patricia "Pat" Rosette Burdick and became Dad to Pat's two children, Susan and William Burdick Hutches.


Don is survived by his wife of 57 years Patricia Hutches and his four children: Susan Hutches, William Hutches (Donna), Jennifer Hutches, and Donald Andrew "Andy" Hutches II (Kammi); seven grandchildren: Jason Hutches (Katie), Brittan Linneman (Steve), Chadd Davis (Danielle), Bryan Hutches (Courtney), Alec McVey, Noah Hutches, and Tucker Hutches, with whom he shared a very special bond; and eight great-grandchildren: Harper Hutches, Benjamin Linneman, Oliver Davis, Cole Linneman, Theodore ("Teddy") Hutches, Sofia Hutches, Miles Hutches and Gene Davis. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Hutches Parulski, and his brother, Ralph David Hutches.

Don will be remembered for his outstanding accomplishments in education and food service, his dedication to his family and community, and his lifelong desire to help others help themselves through an honest day's work. His legacy lives on through the countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Interment with Military Honors, which will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Nondaga Cemetery in Bath, New York. Following the interment, all are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life at the Family Barn, 8336 Pleasant Valley Road, Hammondsport, New York.

In lieu of flowers - to honor Don's lifelong dedication to food service, student nutrition, and culinary education the family encourages contributions to the Donald A. Hutches Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will support recent graduates with a strong work ethic who are pursuing careers in food service, culinary arts, and hospitality continuing Don's commitment to feeding and serving others.

Donations can be made via the included Venmo link

Donald A. Hutches Memorial Scholarshipor directly to any family member. Funds will then be used to create the scholarship fund.