Donald Gary Hutton

Donald Gary Hutton, 79, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on October 4, 2026, following complications from surgery for cancer. Known as Gary, he was born on November 20, 1946, to Donald Glenn Hutton and Iva Evelyn Bracken. He grew up in Freeport, Pennsylvania, and later attended Clarion State College.

In 1968, Gary married Amy Georgina McWhirter, the day after her graduation from Clarion. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and raised 18 children through birth and adoption. They also opened their home to eight additional children for shorter periods of time: Christopher, Damon, Taylor, Rebecca, Frederique, Naomi, Jean-Claude, and Marc.

Gary began his career in education as a high school librarian, where he developed a particular interest in emerging technology and computers. He later worked as a documentation coordinator at Carnegie Mellon University, helping develop technical documentation and instructional materials for programming languages and computer software. After moving to Florida, he continued his career in education as an elementary school media specialist. In retirement, he remained active, working at Publix.

Gary was a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities and a longtime Special Olympics coach. He devoted countless hours to encouraging athletes and creating opportunities for inclusion and participation. His belief in the dignity and potential of every person was reflected in both his volunteer work and his everyday life.

Gary had a curious mind and enjoyed a good intellectual challenge. He loved crossword puzzles, a pastime he shared with his mother, as well as logic puzzles, Star Trek, and Jeopardy! His enthusiasm for technology, problem-solving, and learning stayed with him throughout his life.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Amy, who passed away on January 31, 2026; their children Christopher, Taylor, Rebecca, Ethan, Jasmine, Amanda, and Robin; his parents; and his brother Dwight Hutton.

He is survived by his children: Wendy (Jeff) Dafoe, Adam (Sandy) Hutton, Meghan (Darren) Malynn, Jonathan Hutton, Justin (Stephanie) Hutton, Caitlyn, Matthew, Jennifer, William, Emily, Danielle, Ross, Jeremy, and Jay.

He was a proud grandfather to Sean (Nicole) Malynn, Alec Malynn, Liam Hutton, Lucas Hutton, and Grayson Hutton. He also became a great-grandfather with the birth of Luke Malynn, son of Sean and Nicole, during his hospitalization. Although Gary never had the opportunity to meet Luke, Luke’s arrival began another generation of the family he and Amy had built together.

Gary is also survived by his brother Kenneth (Patti) Hutton and his niece Melissa (Jacob) Baglien.

Above all, Gary was a devoted father. To his children, he was the best father they could have asked for—steadfast in his dedication to his family and always ready to lend a hand whenever he was needed. His love and support were constants in their lives, and the family he and Amy built together remains his greatest legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to Special Olympics Florida – Palm Beach County, Trustbridge Hospice, or the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization through their respective websites.