John Edward Hitchings

John Edward Hitchings passed away Monday, October 30, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospital following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. John was born on September 7, 1923. He was the son of Herbert and Mary Sharp Hitchings and was one of nine children. For most of his life John resided in Rome, NY. He married Faith Marucci in 1943. He proudly served his country in the United States Naval Air Force during World War II. He worked for Sears Oil Company as a Sales Representative for thirty four years. He later owned and operated Industrial Oil Tank Service Corporation. He took pride in hard work and in his business. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves his wife of 74 years, Faith Marucci Hitchings. He is also survived by his two daughters Cynthia (Sid) Owens, Melinda (Kevin) Ryan; a son John II (Susan) Hitchings and son-in-law Don Converse. John and Faith have seven cherished grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Sindelar, Shane (Allyson) Owens, Erin (James) Ryan, Leyra (Joseph) Ogeltree, Kevin (Kristen) Ryan, John III (Kathi) Hitchings and Kristin (Christopher) Messina; great grandchildren, Lauryn, Rhys, Liam, Miles, Will, Harper, Peyton, John IV and Emery. John has one remaining brother, Herbert Hitchings. He was predeceased by his daughter Gail Converse and grandsons Donald Converse Jr. and Brendyn John Owens. Funeral services will be private and have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to: St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN, 38101-9908 or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5028.