Patrick R. Hutchinson

NORTON--- Patrick R Hutchinson, “Pat Hutch”, passed away unexpectedly on May 20, 2017.  Pat was born in Barberton and was a Barberton/Norton resident all his life.  He retired from the Norton Schools as a Custodian after 28 years of service.  He was also an accomplished musician and his band, the Pat Hutch Orchestra played polkas for many years at numerous events. He also played with the Frank Stanger Orchestra for many years.  He was a member of the St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, the Slovene Center, Sokol Club and the ABC Polka Association.  Pat was also a proud Navy Veteran having served during the Korean War.  Preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Julia and sister Loraine Lindeman; He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Barbara, sons Patrick, Lawrence (Linda) and Bernard (Mary); daughter Karen (Michael) Stanley; grandchildren Rebecca Stanley, and Crystal, Julia and Ella Hutchinson; great grandchildren Mieka, Esme, Sophia, Peyton and Addylind; and brother James.  Patrick lived a full life with the love of Barbie, his family and many friends. Music was an important part of Patrick’s life and it was music that brought him together with the greatest joy in his life, Barbara Hutchinson, who he met at a dance at C&M Church when they were only 18 and 19 years old. Theirs was a relationship of total commitment and devotion to each other.  He delighted many with his music, playing weddings, parties, dances and every club in the area.   He recovered from a series of illnesses several years ago and traded in his “Hutch” accordion for a lighter, sleeker button box.  He continued to play weekly jams with his musician friends at the Sokol, FOP and the Slovene Center.   Patrick started his musical career as a child when he pulled his accordion around the West End of Barberton in his wagon. He would play in the backyards of neighbors for various events. His mother could hear him coming home because his wagon clattered with coins that neighbors had gratefully given him.  Patrick continued to play music his entire life, never tiring of the joy music brought to people and to himself.  Patrick was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame and was awarded musician of the year which was a very proud moment.  Although Patrick loved his honorary Slovenian status, he was proud of his Irish heritage and according to his daughter he celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day like it was his birthday. Patrick was a faithful Catholic and rarely missed mass even when he traveled far from home.  His passing has left an empty place in the heart of his family and community that cannot be replaced.  We love you and miss you terribly.

E-I-E-I-O and Amen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton. Fr. James Maloney celebrant. Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Calling Hours will be from 5-8 P.M. on Wednesday at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, where prayers will be said Thursday morning at 9:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ABC Polka Association or to the church. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.silva-hostetler.com (330-825-8700)