Joseph W Hatch Jr.

Joseph Wickes Hatch Jr., 96, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away June 17, 2012. He was born in Scarsdale, NY on May 26, 1916, the only child of the late Joseph Wickes Hatch Sr. and Helen MacDermott Hatch. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Rosa Upton Hatch, who he married on November 18, 1944. Joe is remembered as a generous, hard working business and community leader and WWII veteran. He is also survived by his three children - Joseph Wickes Hatch III, Luther Upton Hatch (and his wife Robin), and Nancy Bowman Hatch Schwartzmiller(and her husband Frank) - and eight grandchildren – Neal Upton Hatch (and his wife Lynsey), Harold Wickes Hatch (and his wife Kristine), Virginia Irish Hatch, Joseph Bowman Schwartzmiller, Margaret Helen Schwartzmiller, Mary Rosa Hatch, Grace Ann Hatch, and Joseph Wickes Hatch IV - and one great grandchild - Quentin Elizondo Hatch. He was a graduate of Deerfield Academy, Williams College (BA) and University of Pennsylvania (Wharton MBA). He was a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander who participated in the invasions of Sicily, Italy, France, Leyte Gulf (Philippines) and Okinawa. His business career included Vice Presidency of Colonial Stores, Presidency of West Import Export Company, President of Goodwill of Atlanta and Executive Director of the Southern Bakers Association. His volunteer activities focused on disadvantaged inner city youth including; tutoring and mentoring at the Ralph McGill Elementary School in Summerhill, Boy Scout Commissioner of Operation First Class helping to develop Boy Scouts troops in Atlanta’s inner city. He was Boy Scout James E West Fellow, Junior Achievement Consultant, Atlanta Community Ministries volunteer, and set up Trusts for Williams College and Haggai Institute. He was a member of Buckhead Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He was a member of St. Elmo(Delta Phi) fraternity and Honorary Life Member of the Piedmont Driving Club. He was a very active member of Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Church for over 60 as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Funeral services for Mr. Hatch will be held on Saturday August 18, 2pm in the sanctuary of Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Church, Atlanta Georgia with Dr. Charles Qualls officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Atlanta Community Ministries and the Shepherd Center.