Obituary for Donald B Hitchens
Donald Burns Hitchens, age 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 3, 2024. Don was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He graduated from Conrad High School in 1948 and will be remembered for his extensive wardrobe of Redskins sweatshirts and baseball caps. Following high school, Don joined the United States Navy as a morse code operator. He married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Alma Spicer, in 1950. Together, they had two daughters to whom he was committed, spending every summer at their home in Rehoboth Beach. He made his career with Hercules Incorporated as a chemical glassblower until retirement.
Following Alma’s passing in 1985, Don met Lois Berryman through their shared love of dancing at Post Cana events. They were married in 1991 and shared many happy years together until Lois’s passing in 2021.
Don was the epitome of a family man, supporting his children and later his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their sporting events and important milestones. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Don’s favorite place in the world was Rehoboth Beach, choosing it over all other vacation destinations. He made Rehoboth his full time home following his retirement. He was known fondly by his family as the unofficial mayor, “overseeing” many of the construction projects in the town during his daily walks. Don will always be remembered as someone with quick-witted humor, a kind disposition, a big heart, and a generous nature.
Don was blessed with a large family of people who loved him. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Hitchens) Stephens; son-in-law, William Francisco; siblings Joan Hitchens, Patsy Hearn, Rosalie Hitchens, James Hitchens; stepdaughter Carol McDowell; stepson Jeffrey Berryman (Helen); grandchildren Stephanie Stephens Gray (Jeff); Donald Francisco (Nicole); Valerie Stephens Deptula (Ian); Eric Stephens (Katherine); Katie Bryant (Dave); Becky McDowell; Erin Stitik (Hunter); Tony Berryman; great grandchildren Ava, Ryder, Annabella, Justin, Emma, Vincent, Trevor, Zachery, Raegan, Tyler, Josiah, Ethan, Lizzie and Casey. He was predeceased by his mother, Esther Burns Hitchens; father, Thomas Hitchens; his treasured Aunt Emma and Uncle Beverly Darby; his wife Alma Spicer Hitchens; his wife Lois Berryman Hitchens; his cherished daughter, Deborah (Hitchens) Francisco; his step son-in-law James McDowell; and his brothers, George Hitchens, Paul Hitchens, Robert Hitchens, and Thomas Hitchens.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service to honor and celebrate Don at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home located at 1400 Kirkwood Hwy, Elsmere, DE 19805 on Friday, March 8th. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am, with services from 11-12 pm. Interment will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Easter Seals of Delaware in honor of Don.
Following Alma’s passing in 1985, Don met Lois Berryman through their shared love of dancing at Post Cana events. They were married in 1991 and shared many happy years together until Lois’s passing in 2021.
Don was the epitome of a family man, supporting his children and later his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their sporting events and important milestones. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Don’s favorite place in the world was Rehoboth Beach, choosing it over all other vacation destinations. He made Rehoboth his full time home following his retirement. He was known fondly by his family as the unofficial mayor, “overseeing” many of the construction projects in the town during his daily walks. Don will always be remembered as someone with quick-witted humor, a kind disposition, a big heart, and a generous nature.
Don was blessed with a large family of people who loved him. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Hitchens) Stephens; son-in-law, William Francisco; siblings Joan Hitchens, Patsy Hearn, Rosalie Hitchens, James Hitchens; stepdaughter Carol McDowell; stepson Jeffrey Berryman (Helen); grandchildren Stephanie Stephens Gray (Jeff); Donald Francisco (Nicole); Valerie Stephens Deptula (Ian); Eric Stephens (Katherine); Katie Bryant (Dave); Becky McDowell; Erin Stitik (Hunter); Tony Berryman; great grandchildren Ava, Ryder, Annabella, Justin, Emma, Vincent, Trevor, Zachery, Raegan, Tyler, Josiah, Ethan, Lizzie and Casey. He was predeceased by his mother, Esther Burns Hitchens; father, Thomas Hitchens; his treasured Aunt Emma and Uncle Beverly Darby; his wife Alma Spicer Hitchens; his wife Lois Berryman Hitchens; his cherished daughter, Deborah (Hitchens) Francisco; his step son-in-law James McDowell; and his brothers, George Hitchens, Paul Hitchens, Robert Hitchens, and Thomas Hitchens.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service to honor and celebrate Don at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home located at 1400 Kirkwood Hwy, Elsmere, DE 19805 on Friday, March 8th. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am, with services from 11-12 pm. Interment will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Easter Seals of Delaware in honor of Don.