Chief Patricia Hutchinson, USN

Retired Chief Petty Officer Patricia Hutchinson, USN, passed away July 12, 2024 in Orange Park, Florida. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony “Hutch” Hutchinson, and is survived by her brothers, Michael, John, and Timothy, nine nieces and nephews, the dearest of friends, and her faithful companion, Mamma Mia. Chief Hutchinson was born in 1954 in the Hudson River Valley in New York, where she was known to her family as “Tricia”. Never averse to hard work and ever devoted to family, Tricia joined the family milk delivery business as a teenager. Balancing early morning milk routes with nighttime band performances, she was a teenage rebel that called her mother by her first name. Following her mother's death, Tricia devoted herself to caring for her father until his passing the next year. This turning point led her to reconsider her nursing training and make a decision at 22 that would define her life: enlisting in the US Navy as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, also known as a parachute rigger. Tricia found her true calling in the Navy, and her military career became her greatest source of pride. It exceeded all her expectations, taking her around the world, including postings in the Philippines, Japan, and even Antarctica. Her dedication led to multiple Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals and multiple Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals. When retirement came after nearly a quarter century of service, Tricia felt it was far too soon. After her retirement from the Navy, Tricia brought her spirit of service and camaraderie to civilian life. Known to her friends as “Trish”, she cherished her membership in the Moose Fraternity, an organization devoted to gathering socially, caring for each other’s needs, and celebrating life - three aims that she pursued daily. At Moosehaven retirement community, where she enjoyed her last years, she hosted trivia and bingo games, contributed to talent shows, and designed and installed a community dog park. Her generosity knew no bounds, extending far beyond her circle of friends to anyone in need. She was known for her impromptu acts of kindness. Tricia was endlessly optimistic and a gregarious Irish storyteller who lived to make people laugh. Her infectious enthusiasm and warm personality endeared her to everyone she met, even those tasked with keeping her spirited nature in check. We will treasure the memory and legacy of her friendship, generosity, humor, and high spirits. Chief Hutchinson will be interred at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, where it was her express wish to rejoin her husband, Hutch, in their final resting place. The committal service will be held on August 19 at Fort Bliss at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish to honor Tricia's memory make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization she supported throughout her life.

Chief Patricia Hutchinson, USN

March 31, 1954 - July 12, 2024