George A. Hutchins

BARRE – George August Hutchins, 1st SGT US Army Retired, 88, a resident of Onward Street, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at his home.

In George’s 88 years he was many things to many people.  He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a papa, an uncle, a friend and a man of deep faith. George had a heart of gold, always looking out for others and cheering them on.  He will be deeply missed.

He was born on December 17, 1936, at his grandparent's farm in Pikesville, Maryland.  After graduating from Coventry High School, George joined the United States Army where he served from 1955 until 1976.  He spent 13 of those years overseas in Germany, Korea and Vietnam.  While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the coveted Soldier’s Medal, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Following his military service, George managed the Genest Concrete Batching Plant in Berwick, Maine. After moving to VT in 2004, George was instrumental in establishing Vermont Veterans Place in Northfield, VT.  He was an avid runner and enjoyed nature, camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren.  In later years, he took up collecting antique bottles, a hobby he deeply enjoyed.

He was a father of three children from his first marriage to Judy Heroux of West Warwick, Rhode Island. He was predeceased by his son, Matthew Hutchins of Tennessee, and his grandson Brandon Hutchins of Florida.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Brenda Spofford, whom he married in 1989.

He leaves his children Christine McGuire of Portsmouth, NH,; and Steven Hutchins of Madison, NH.  His stepchildren Todd Richardson and his wife Maria of Pelham NH, Tim Richardson of Haverhill MA, Christos Eliopoulos and his wife Diane of Dracut MA, and Cathi Levey and her husband Richard of Fayston VT.   His grandsons and step-grandsons Aaron McGuire; August Hutchins; Oliver Hutchins; Henry Hutchins; Timothy Richardson, Jr., and his wife, Kim; Todd Richardson, Jr., and his wife, Jeannie;  Chrisopher White; Michael White; and Jonathan White and his wife Kim;  granddaughters Kaia Levey, Aliza Levey and Tanya Valdes; and three great-grandchildren, Vera Richardson, Dean Richardson and Shay McGuire;  his niece Char Frith and her husband Ralph Frith and their children Alexander and Marille. His sister-in-law Beverly Wiggins of Malden MA, and his brother-in-law James Spofford and his wife, Lauren of Nottingham, NH. He also leaves his dear friend Charlie Hawkins (“a brother of another mother and father”) and his wife Lynda from, R.I as well as many extended family and many friends.

A service to honor and celebrate George’s life and distinguished military career will be held on July 7, 2025, at 11:00 am in the chapel at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph Center, VT.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Vermont Veterans Place, 220 Vine Street, Northfield, VT 05663 or to Enough Ministries, 24 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641.