Charles L. Hatch, true patriot
Charles L. Hatch, 86, of Millsboro and the World, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. His wife, Elli, and his daughter Chris were at his side.
He was born in Altoona, Pa., Jan. 1, 1932, son of the late Lola (nee Hooper) and Bernard Joseph Hatch. Charles graduated from Wilmington High School in 1950. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy from 1951-55 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea in the Mediterranean. Upon coming home he worked for the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company from 1961-63. He worked from 1963-67 as a medical entomologist for the World Health Organization in Nigeria, Ghana, and Lorenco Marques, Mozambique; and for the Army Corps of Engineers from 1968-69 in Saigon, Vietnam.
Upon returning to the U.S., he worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia, Pa., from 1970-75. He retired from the USDA Forest Service in Newtown Square, Pa.
Charles is survived by the love of his life, Elli Hatch, to whom he was married for 50 years, and his beloved dog Lexi. (He loved that dog!) In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughters and their families: Robert Hatch and his wife Terrye of N. Augusta, S.C., Susy Hatch and her husband Alejandro Robles of Guatemala, Michele Hatch Huber and her husband Jean Pierre of Switzerland, Pilar Hatch Vizcaino and her husband Diego of Guatemala, and Christine Hatch Calderaio and her husband John of Warrington, Pa.
Eleven grandchildren also survive him: Ryan Hatch, Michelle Nanne, Francisco Nanne, Anaite Huber, Annick Huber, Juan Sebastian Vizcaino, Luis Pedro Vizcaino, Ana Cristina Vizcaino, Katelyn Calderaio Price, Gabrielle Calderaio and Raymond Calderaio.
He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Bill Mammarella of Bethany Beach, and their children: Jim, Nancy, Shirley Ann and Martha; and by his longtime friend Tom Langshaw and his wife Delores of Wilmington. Charles and Tom were friends for over 70 years.
Charles was an avid chess player, having won many World Open Tournaments in Philadelphia. He also enjoyed playing poker and taking photographs. He was a true patriot and loved his country.
There will be no viewing or funeral; however Charles will be interred at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be sent to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21801.
Electronic condolences go to www.watsonfh.com.
