Richard Hatch

Richard H. Hatch, 86, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died on October 7, 2025. He was the husband of Joyce (McMahon) Hatch.

Born in Newport, RI on August 19, 1939, He was the son of the late John and Helen (Durfee) Hatch. Richard grew up in Middletown on East Main Road. He enlisted to serve in the US Army, and remained a faithful patriot his entire life. Over the years, Richard worked in several varied roles, a special officer for Middletown Police, security at Jai Alai, a lobsterman, and finally enjoyed a career at Eppely Labs working as a laboratory technician. Through the many twists and turns of life, he was a steady force for his family, always ready and willing to help, but never boasting or taking any credit. He retired from his own job to stay home and care for his aging father, and dedicated countless hours to supporting the MADD program to honor the life of his son Kenny who died at 13 from a drunk driver. He enjoyed being a part of his kids sports in Portsmouth, coaching youth soccer or donating time for the Portsmouth Boosters, staffing the concession stands at hundreds of PHS games. As Richard grew older, he cherished his time outdoors, whether it was mowing his own lawn, or mowing the lawns of all the neighbors, caring for the animals on the property (and there were many animals over the years), or spending time at the fish pond he created, he found great peace being outside. He was a member of the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club and the Middletown FOP.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Hatch, and his children; Susan Hatch, Kristin Hatch, Melissa Burnham (Craig) of Griswold, CT, Daniel Hatch (Stacey Semenkow) of Bristol, RI, and David Hatch (MJ Howes) of West Warwick, RI, a brother Col. Robert Wayne Hatch, USA (Ret) of Knoxville, TN, his beloved 14 grandchildren; one great granddaughter.

Richard is preceded in death by his son Kenneth Hatch, and a brother, Col. John Hatch, USA (Ret).

Burial services will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to https://madd.org/rhode-island/ or to https://specialolympicsri.org/