William Hutchinson

We celebrate the life of Bill Hutchinson, a gentle person who touched many lives with his generosity, hospitality, wit, and intellectual pursuit. Those most graced by his presence were his family members: his wife, Barbara, and their two sons, Andrew (and his life-partner Adrena Williams), and Phillip, along with his niece Diana Smedley (and her husband Gabe Luber), his sister-in-law Janet Smedley (and her husband, Selwyn Falk), and his own siblings: his sister Judy (and her life-partner Brenda Roman), and Peter (and his wife, Linda, and their family members Kyle Anderson and Erin Holt.) Bill’s parents were Robert H. and Katharine K. Hutchinson. Bill’s greatest love was being with his family members, here at home or travelling together.

Bill understood the value of developing, nurturing, and sustaining long-term relationships in all parts of his life. He remained connected with his high-school and college friends, always finding new ways to share interests and enjoy life together. Bill and his wife Barbara were committed and loving companions throughout the 41 years they shared as a married couple, enjoying a lifetime of discovery, growth, and commitment to their family life.

Bill worked for Armstrong World Industries for over 50 years, first as an Electrical Engineer and then in the IT department and was still employed as a Senior Technical Architect. Bill developed friendships in all spheres of his life and provided rich and meaningful companionship to many whom he treasured. Bill was a mentor and role model to many.

His commitment to his faith was strong, being a life-long Episcopalian. This commitment to church began in his high school youth group and continued throughout his life. He was an active member for many years at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, PA. When Barbara was ordained an Episcopal priest, he supported her ministry and developed his own relationships with members of the parishes she served: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Port Washington, NY and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Shippensburg, PA, serving with a quiet and loving presence in many parish ministries, especially those involving hospitality and those where he could offer his wide technical expertise. He treasured the friendships made along the way in his journey of faith.

Bill was active in all ways. He constantly pursued intellectual growth through extensive reading on all subjects, through learning music theory, and developing his musical ability with the aid of expert instructors, who taught him about music and about life. Bill loved the music composed by Frederick Chopin and met close friends who shared this passion through the Chopin Foundation of the United States and was enriched by their encounters. He was active physically, thoroughly enjoying sailing, skiing, and biking throughout his entire life. Bill’s family spent many weekends together sailing, enjoying nature and the gift of simply being together. He also raced sailboats with close friends, having many exciting adventures, including the Newport to Bermuda Race. He loved to create welcoming space for others, treating us all to delicious meals and warm hospitality. He understood the value of serving his community, being active in the Friends of the Library, Cumberland Valley School of Music, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Bill was a beautiful soul, who loved and lived life fully, who shared his heart and strengths with all, and who always managed to find a pathway to joy and to lead others there, in his quiet and thoughtful manner. Our world was blessed by his goodness, altruism, and unfaltering kindness and generosity. As one person said, "Bill went out on a high note" – in the prime of his life, physically and mentally active, still employed, still learning music, still putting energy into relationships, still being the person we all could always count on.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on March 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 204 E. Burd Street, Shippensburg, PA. A reception will follow the service and committal at the Courtyard Marriott, 503 Newburg Rd., Shippensburg, PA.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Shippensburg PA or to the Chopin Foundation of the United States.

The Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg, has been entrusted with his funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.