Robert James Hatch Jr.

Robert James Hatch, age 73, of Ladera Ranch, CA, formerly of Emerson, NJ, passed away by cardiac arrest on January 20, 2025. Robert was born on June 25, 1951 to Robert James Hatch, Sr. and Virginia Hatch nee Grastara in Jersey City, NJ. After Robert graduated from Bergen Catholic High School in 1969, he went on to earn his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering at Manhattan College.

Robert designed electrical infrastructure internationally at Burns and Roe, kickstarting his 51-year career as a professional Electrical Engineer and CEO, licensed in most US states. In 1984, Robert opened the doors of his first engineering firm, Linwood Engineering Associates, PA. Thereafter he expanded operations to the west coast in 2004 when he founded Linwood Engineering Associates, PC. Robert worked closely with his son, Timothy R. Hatch, a dual-licensed Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, who managed Linwood's west coast operations until his passing in 2008. The Linwood legacy continues on with Jason James Rezell, Robert's son-in-law, as President and CEO, and Jennifer Lynn Rezell, Robert's beloved daughter, as Chief Legal Officer.

On August 17, 1969, Robert met Barbara Lynn Madura at St. Joseph's Church in Hackensack, NJ. Robert and Barbara married on June 28, 1975 in St. Joseph's Church and went on to have two children, Timothy Robert Hatch and Jennifer Lynn Hatch. Jennifer married Jason James Rezell on June 11, 2005 and thereafter gave birth to two daughters, Jacqueline Claire Rezell and Kaitlyn Grace Rezell. Robert and Barbara's beloved son Timothy sadly passed on June 14, 2008, when he drowned at Catalina Island during a Father's Day boating trip.

Robert and Barbara reside across the street from Jennifer, Jason and their children. The families share time together daily. Most days, Robert chaufferred his grandchildren around town in his cherished Corvette and Barbara takes turns with Jennifer on hosting family dinner. The whole family vacationed together often, such as to Hawaii, Fiji, the midwest, the east coast, the Caribbean, Alaska and Australia.

Robert was also very active in the Laguna Niguel Bocce league and cherished his weekly lunches with 'the guys'.

Robert is survived by his brother, Steven Hatch and Steve's husband, Kerry Boll. Robert was predeceased by his sister, Diane DePalma, and her husband, Robert DePalma. Both are predeceased by their beloved parents, Robert and Virginia.