Robert P Hatch

Robert “Bob” Hatch, 63 of Cumberland, passed away unexpectedly at Maine Medical Center on September 10, 2012. He will be remembered as a gentle soul who enjoyed the arts, antiques, his extended family, and friends.

Robert was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 2, 1949, the son of Richard P. and Elizabeth “Betty” Gilson Hatch. He lived in Cheshire, Connecticut throughout most of his school years. In 1973 his family moved to Middletown, New Jersey where he graduated from high school. He attended Drew University and earned a BA in Art History in 1971. During his college years he had parts in many theater productions and loved visiting the museums in Manhattan as part of his education. It was during this time that he developed his love for art history and antiques and, together with his mother, began purchasing antique items at estate auctions. He especially loved knowing the history of a painting, rug, and piece of furniture and could remember every detail about each of his treasures.

During his childhood, his family visited Ogunquit, Maine each summer on vacation. They relished their trips, going to the beach during the day and to Perkins Cove at night. In 1973, his father purchased the Lynn’s Hallmark Shop in the then-new Maine Mall and his family fulfilled their dream of living in Maine year-round, settling in Cape Elizabeth. Robert moved with the family to work with his father in the business. He purchased a house in Cumberland and lived there for the rest of his life. He loved helping customers and expanded the store’s merchandise to include a wide range of cards and gifts. In 1984 he opened his own two “Hatch’s Hallmark” stores, one in the Jetport Plaza and the other in the Pine Tree Shopping Center. He got to know many of his customers personally and loved helping them find the perfect card or gift for their need. He never embraced computers and always sent thoughtful, handwritten notes for every occasion.

His mother suffered a long illness and for many years Robert was her primary care giver. He did more than any mother could ask of her son and was deeply affected by her death. They were best friends and after her passing he missed her terribly. Although he did not have children of his own, he loved children and spent a lot of time with his nephews when they were young. In recent years he followed the Red Sox and Patriots with the intensity of a life-long fan.

Robert was predeceased by his father in 1989 and his mother in 2001. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia Hatch Talbot, and her husband, Randy Talbot, of Falmouth and his nephews, Christopher Talbot of Cleveland, Ohio, and Scott Talbot of Los Angeles.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 15 at 2:00 at Riverside Memorial Cemetery on Spurwink Avenue in Cape Elizabeth. Arrangements are under the care of the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME. 04103 Those planning an expression of their love are asked to consider a donation to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, www.marginalwayfund.org. The fund is dedicated to keeping the mile-long seaside path accessible and free to the public for generations to come.