Obituary of L. Coleman Hatch

L. Coleman Hatch II, A kind and gentle soul is at peace. He is in his eternal home walking with The Lord in the eternal garden. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and was stationed with the Third Marines Amphibious unit in the South Pacific. He later became an original charter member of the Semper Marine Detachment (Vineland, NJ) and was honored as such with a lifetime achievement award in the summer of 2013. He worked at the Bell Telephone Company as a frameman for 38 years and was a member of the local IBEW union. He was a member of the telephone pioneers and the pioneer's clown club. While a member of the clown club he was known as "Pockets" the clown and entertained at many schools, nursing homes, hospitals and parades. He retired in 1979. After retirement, he worked as a sexton for the First Presbyterian Church, Vineland, N.J. for 23 years, a position he enjoyed greatly due to his many close friendships that were formed as result of his service to the church. Mr. Hatch served the Boy Scouts of America as a leader of troops; 9, 10 & 112, Vineland District Advancement Chairman and member of the Order of the Arrow. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award which is awarded to registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. This award is given to those who implement the scouting program through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication and many years of service. Furthermore, he served many civic organizations and events including, Vineland Centennial Brothers of the Bush, portrayed Santa Claus for multiple organizations, family and friends. He was a member of Circus Fan Association of America and an avid collector of circus memorabilia. In addition, he was just recently honored by the Vineland First United Methodist Church as a 60 year member. He also was involved in building floats for parades for many organizations. Mr. Hatch was recently honored by the Vineland City Mayor and Council for his Military and Civic Service. In his spare time and through his hobbies, he was an avid New England Patriots Football fan, a home gardener, a fan of Auto Racing and vacationed frequently with his family in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In spring of 2011 he and his wife made their stage debut with the Singing Ambassadors. The following year he portrayed retired Elf 007 who helped Santa Claus save Christmas. L. Coleman Hatch was affectionately referred to as "Pop" by all who knew him. Mr. Hatch was predeceased by his parents, Leonard C. Hatch Sr. & Rae (Ketley) Hatch, his brother, William C. Parker and sister, Lenore Rew. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn (Denelsbeck) Hatch, his 4 children, Donna (Hatch) Strain & her husband Robert R. of Vineland, Deborah (Hatch) Mishkin & her husband David of Owings Mills, MD., Douglas Hatch and Dennis Hatch both of Vineland, his brother, Robert C. Parker of Duneden Florida, Five grandchildren, Laura (Gatier) Dolbow & her husband Eric of Bear, DE., Robert Strain & his wife Dina (Smith) of Millville, Christopher Hatch, Cari Sbrana & William Taylor all of Vineland and two great grandchildren, Kyleigh & Robert Strain both of Millville. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11am at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. He will be laid to rest at Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. Friends will be received on Wednesday evening from 6pm to 9pm and again on Thursday morning from 9am to 11am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to, The First United Methodist Church of Vineland, The First Presbyterian Church of Vineland, The Singing Ambassadors of Vineland, The Semper Marine Detachment of Vineland or Vineland Firefighters FMBA Local 49.