Walter Joseph Hutchinson, affectionately known as “Hutch”, reunited with the love of his life on October 28, 2025. He was 82 years old. Hutch was born on December 5, 1942, to the late Leonard and Clarice (Figeira) Hutchinson. Hutch grew up in Somerville with his younger brother, Bruce, and graduated from Somerville High School. Shortly after graduating, Hutch married his soul mate, Celia-Lee (Williamson) Hutchinson, on April 22, 1962. Before long, Hutch and Celia introduced their first born, daughter Michelle-Lee, quickly followed by Michelle’s almost Irish twin brother, Walter Jr. (aka “Hutchy”). After a brief pause, daughter Lisa was introduced to make the family complete.
Hutch had many professions throughout his life to support his family. He was a master at anything electrical/mechanical, could fix anything, and enjoyed working with his hands. He could paint your dining room without a single stitch of tape! Hutch gravitated toward electromechanics during a stint at a fledgling company in the dirt-floored basement of an old mill building in Maynard, MA. Unbeknownst to him, that company (Digital Equipment Corporation) would become the #2 computer company in the world! Hutch settled in and really made his mark at The Gillette Company. For decades, Hutch worked on fabrication and packaging equipment that produced innovative shaving products worldwide until his retirement in 2000.
In his free time, Hutch enjoyed snowmobiling during his younger years and shifted to RVing as he got older. He “graduated” from a 13-foot towable to a bunch of 5th wheels and Class A motorhomes as they toured the United States, always looking for more and more modern comforts in his RVs. Hutch and Celia set aside time each year to go “glamping” with their beloved grandchildren. Hutch also had an affinity for hot rods —participating in car shows and rallies with his dear brother, Bruce, whenever and wherever possible. Mustangs were his jam. We lost track of the number of Mustangs he’s had over the years. And one thing is for certain: Hutch would never say “no” to a game of cribbage.
Hutch leaves behind his three children and their spouses—Michelle-Lee and Curtis Cabaniss, Walter and Marilyn Hutchinson, and Lisa and Greg Sullivan—along with his brother, Bruce, and nephew Brian. He was a proud grandfather to Bo, Ashley, Alyssa, Venessa, Charlene, Dillon, and Glenn, and a beloved great-grandfather to Jake, Joey, Ben, Jackson, Hadley, Riley, Cam, Morgan, Shea, and Cole.
Hutch is also survived by many beloved family members, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts, including his loving companion of eight years, Ruth Carroll; Donna and Ann; Stuart Phillips, whose generous stem cell donation to Hutch’s late wife, Celia-Lee, gave them more precious years together; Bobby MacInnis; his Mustang Club friends; the Old Town Florida Car Shows crew; and the Northeast RV Rally group.
Hutch was predeceased by his father, Leonard; his mother, Clarice; and his beloved wife Celia-Lee.
There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we were to have Brookhaven take care of Hutch as his disease progressed. A heartfelt thank you to Victoria and Kyra.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kitty’s, 123 Main Street, North Reading, MA. It will be a time to honor Hutch’s life and share stories, memories, and laughter with all who knew and loved him.