Obituary of John David Hatch

John David Hatch of Tarpon Springs, FL – dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend – passed away peacefully in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

John was born to Ernest and Charlotte Chazal Hatch in Atlanta, GA on August 26, 1942. He was the fourth of six Hatch children. At a young age the family moved to Ocala, FL where John graduated from Ocala High School (’60) and completed his undergraduate degree in history at Florida State University (’64). After graduating from FSU, John joined the US Navy and graduated from Officers Training School in Newport, RI. He served aboard the USS Taussig where he was a 1^st Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. After active duty, John was in Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon while attending Georgetown Law School in the evenings. Following his graduation from Georgetown (’71), he left the Navy and the family moved to West Hartford, CT where John worked at Aetna Life and Casualty and started his 53-year career in Insurance and Regulatory Law. He was still practicing with his company JD Hatch PC, upon his death.

John married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Carr Hatch of Ocala, on June 13,1964. They had three daughters, Wendy Marie (’65) Anita Candice (’67) and Teresa Dawn (’71).

Through the years the family lived in California, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Texas and finally settled back in Florida. John and Pam loved to travel and took wonderful trips to France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scottland, and a river trip down the Danube. John was a connoisseur of wine, loved to golf with his grandson and genuinely loved spending time with his family. Just before his death John was in South Africa and Botswana on a photo safari.

John is survived by his children: Wendy (Hatch) and Mark Tucker of Moncks Corner, SC, Candice Hatch of New Port Richey, FL and Teresa (Hatch) and David Caraker of Palm Harbor, FL. His grandchildren Garrett Duncan of Charleston, SC, Mary Beth, Hannah and Trey Caraker of Palm Harbor, FL. His sisters Martha Patterson and Charlotte (Jim) Chambless and his brothers, Ernie (Char) Hatch, Milo Hatch and David (Janet) Hatch. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Pamela Carr Hatch, grandson John Gavin Duncan and his parents Charlotte and Ernest Hatch.

John was well known in his neighborhood in Tarpon Springs and knew everyone from walking his dog Copper. John was a true friend to many and will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Florida 34470.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 am with burial following at Highland Memorial Park.

His friends and family are invited to share happy memories and celebrate John’s life at a reception following his internment at King of Kings Hall at Blessed Trinity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School 17524 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558.

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