Richard H. Hutchings, Jr.

Surrounded by his loved ones, Richard H. “Rich” Hutchings lost his short but brutal battle with brain cancer on April 29, 2025.

Rich was born on August 11, 1971 to his parents, Constance (Moon) and Richard H. Hutchings, Sr. in Pittsfield, MA. He attended school in Cincinnatus and later Norwich. Rich loved music and played the trumpet, the trombone in concert band, and the tuba in marching band. He was also a proud member of the NHS swim team. After school, Rich tried his hand at a couple different jobs but nothing stuck until he discovered his passion for cooking. For more than 25 years, Rich could be found in the kitchen of Nina’s, making and serving delicious meals to the residents of Norwich. His life’s dream though, was to have a restaurant of his own. For a short time last year, Rich was able to call Roma’s in Sidney “his place.” On those rare occasions Rich wasn’t in the Nina’s kitchen, he could be found outside enjoying nature. He would head to the Adirondacks and go hiking, often with his dog by his side. Rich loved to paddle on the water in either a canoe or kayak. A stubborn guy, the only time he showed endless patience was with his grandsons, or while he was fishing. He was never happier than when he got to go fishing with his grandsons, daughter, and son in law. Rich had an extensive collection of old coins and currency along with his collection of knives and swords. He could get lost for hours tracing the history of the things he collected and loved knowing the stories of where they traveled before they came into his hands. From the time he was a young boy, Rich loved speed - going fast in a car, bike, or boat - it didn’t matter what it was! Rich also took pride in owning sports cars. A special thank you to his friend, Wayne Hughes, for letting him fly with him one more time.

For Rich, his family was everything. Rich is survived by his daughter Tyler (Hutchings) and her husband, David Harris, and their three boys, Adonis, Atlantis, and Apollo. He adored being their “Papa” and did his best to attend every game and special event. Rich is survived by his mother and stepfather, Connie and Wylie Craig, whom he was proud to call “Pop”; sister, Karen Harris and her children, Joshua Hutchings; partner, Kaitlyn, and their sons, Lawrence and Damarian, and her daughter, Morgan Harris; sister, Mary Sanford, her husband, Jim, and their children Jordan and Ryan Sanford. He is also survived by Logan Yaddow, who he loved like his own son, and thank you to Logan’s dad, Michael Yaddow, for both his friendship and willingness to share his son. And last but not least, his best girl - his dog Luna, who he missed every day they were apart. Rich is also survived by many aunts, an uncle, and several cousins. Rich was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Ernest and Doris Moon; paternal grandparents, Herbert and Georgianna Hutchings; father Richard H. Hutchings, Sr.; and a favorite nephew, Dwayne Jacob Harris.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich. A private service will be held immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rich’s name to Hospice, the Cancer Society, or your local animal shelter.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.