Obituary of Harvard M. Hitchcock

Knapp Creek – Harvard M. Hitchcock "Loving Husband, Father, & Grandfather" Harvard M. Hitchcock, of 194 Route 16 South, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Harvard was born on January 30, 1938 in Knapp Creek and was a son of Harvard C. and Doris Mavis "Alaine" Shaw Hitchcock. On October 19, 1957, in Dunkirk, he married his wife of 63 years, Marilyn J. Fox, who survives. Harvard was a life-long resident of Knapp Creek. He served in the US Army from November 5, 1960 to May 4, 1961. Harvard worked for 50 years at ACME, serving as union president for many years and acting as a voice for the people. He was the last employee to walk out of the door when the company closed. Harvard also established P&H Electrical doing side jobs with his brother-in-law, Jack Peters. He spent most of his time, following his retirement, in his beloved garage earning the nickname "Pop pop fix it," fixing anything and everything. Harvard was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Knapp Creek. He was a member of the Knapp Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 65 years, including 14 years as chief and was installed as a life-member. Harvard was always there for everything, answering an emergency call, practices, fundraising, and the work sessions. He was willing to give advice and mentorship to anyone who asked for it and a friend to all. Harvard's experience and leadership will be sadly missed. He was also a member of the Enchanted Mountains Lodge #252. Harvard loved, traveling, working in his beloved garage, fundraising for the fire department, four-wheeling, being outdoors, his beloved German Shepherd, Ada, and his animals, but he truly loved spending time with his family. He was the most devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. Harvard was a passionate man in is love for his wife, family, and his work. He encouraged them to follow their dreams, work hard, and to put family first. Along with his loving wife, Marilyn, Harvard leaves behind a devastated family; 3 children, Harvard "Skip" (Joanne) Hitchcock, II of Olean, Sharon (William) Nichols of Rixford, PA, and Michael (Lori) Hitchcock of Knapp Creek; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Pat) Spicer, Jamie (Dustin) Molyneaux, Justin Nichols, Adam Nichols, Colby (Tiffany) Hitchcock, Chad (Kelly) Nichols, Sam (Josh Colter) Hitchcock, Jackie (Dante Carrucci) Hitchcock, Gabriella Sanjurjo, Devon Nichols, and Ashley Hitchcock; 11 great grandchildren, Carter, Silas, Lilly, Ophelia, Ivy, Coraline, Rory, Carson, Emma, Gabe, and Ryan; and 3 sisters, Mavis Foster, Darlene (Edward) Stover, and Donna (William) Rice. Harvard was predeceased by, his parents, and 4 siblings, Francis Bunk, Charles Hitchcock, Shirley Peters, and Rosemary Cooley. Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and again on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at which time a Funeral Service will be held. The Rev. Gerald C. Piper, Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Knapp Creek, will officiate. Burial will be at Allegany Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Knapp Creek Fire Department, 253 Route 16 South, Olean, New York 14760 or to the Knapp Creek Trinity United Methodist Church, 2745 West River Road, Olean, New York 14760.