MASSENA - Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Hutchins, 89, 247 Andrew Street, Massena, died Sunday (November 25, 2007) evening at Massena Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient since November 19th. He had been in failing health for the past 6 months.

He was born October 9, 1918 in Massena the son of Clifford C. and Elizabeth D. Duggan Hutchins. He graduated from Massena High School in 1937. He also attended Syracuse University for a few months after getting out of the Army. He entered the US Army on March 1941, where he went into Normandy on D-Day. He served with the "Big Red Division", 1st Division, 26th Regiment, E Company. He received the Purple Heart and 3 Bronze Stars, for injuries he sustained in North Africa. He was honorably discharged in August 1945. He married Joyce B. Cline on October 18, 1947 at the Advent Christian Church, Massena with Rev. Alfred Young, officiating.

He worked as a production clerk at Alcoa for 42 years, retiring in 1982. He was an avid stamp collector, being a charter member of the International Stamp Club, between Cornwall and Massena. He was a 55 year member of the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #513, Massena and a member of the Earl J. Santimaw Post #1143 of the VFW. He was a longtime member of the Advent Christian Church, now the Northside Community Church, where he served as the church treasurer for 35 years and sang in the choir. He was formerly an Elder and at the time of his death was an Elder Emeritus; for many years, he visited the nursing homes every Sunday as part of his ministry. He and his wife were members of the Couples Club at the church. He was also a Boy Scout leader for many years and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed bowling, having belonged to the Friday night league for many years. He enjoyed also enjoyed gardening, traveling all over the country, visiting the locks, and spending time at his home and with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; 4 children, Stephen Hutchins and his wife, Leslie, Alhambra, CA; Richard Hutchins and his wife, Peg, Willmore, KY; Beth Kells and her husband, Kenneth, Massena; Judy Olson and her husband, Bruce, Easton, CO; 10 grandchildren, Paul, Bradley, Amy, Matthew, Amanda, Emily, Peter, Stacey, Sally and Kenneth; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Jack and Clifford Hutchins; and 3 sisters, Marie Berry, Theresa Cogswell, and Kathleen Beckers.

Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena. The members of the Masonic Lodge will meet at 7:30 PM for the Masonic Ritual. Funeral Services will be held Friday 11:00 AM at the Northside Community Church with Rev. George Middleton, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Massena Center Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Northside Community Church Memorial Fund.

Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.