EAST FISHKILL – Richard M. Hitchen, 81, a resident of Hillside Lake for 42 years and formerly of the Bronx, died on Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Wingate at Beacon.
Born in the Bronx on January 10, 1932, he was the son of the late Raymond and Alma (Jacobs) Hitchen. On May 22, 1954 at SS Peter and Paul Church in the Bronx, he married Evelyn J. O'Mara. Mrs. Hitchen survives at home.

Richard proudly served our country in the 101st Airborne of the US Army during the Korean War. He was employed as a supervisor at Con Edison in Westchester County until his retirement. Rich was a parishioner at St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction.

In addition to his loving wife of 59 years, Richard is survived by his son, Richard S. Hitchen of Poughquag; his stepsister, Frieda Walters; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Hitchen.

The family would like to thank Carol Chappelle of Hospice, Inc. and the "girls" at the Wingate at Beacon for their compassion and care of Richard.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:30 am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Foundation, Inc., 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Richard's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.