Obituary
Guest Book
1926
2014
Rev. Martin Bryan Hitchcock, 88, of Hilton Head Island, SC, died March 12, 2014.At the time of his retirement in 1991, Father Hitchcockwas pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Greenwich, CT,where he had served since 1971.
His ordination to the priesthood took place at Saint Joseph Cathedral, Hartford, CT, on May 3, 1951.He studied philosophy and theology at Saint Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, MD,and later didgraduate studies at Manhattanville College, NY, the Sorbonne, France, and St. Pierre de Solesmes, Solesmes, France. He also studied organ performance in Belgium with the legendaryMarcel Dupré.
His first assignment as an assistant pastor was at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Washington, CT. He also served in the same capacity at the following parishes: Saint James, Stratford; Saint Peter, Danbury; Saint Mary, Bethel and Saint Joseph, Shelton.
Father Hitchcock was appointed assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools in 1964 while in residence at Saint Lawrence, Huntington and superintendent in 1967, while in residence at Notre Dame, Easton.
He also served as a Diocesan Consultor, Chairperson of the Diocesan Committee for Sacred Liturgy, Music and Art and member of the Priest Council. He ministered among students on the campus of the Teachers College in Danbury, now Western Connecticut State University.
Father Hitchcock is survived by his nephews Cornish F. Hitchcock, of Washington DC, Timothy A. Hitchcock of East Canaan, CT, and Martin F. Hitchcock of Canaan, CT, and his niece Elizabeth Hitchcock of Lake Bluff, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 1, 2014, at 10:00 AM, at Saint Mary Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, with interment at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Canaan, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martin B. Hitchcock Memorial Fund of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nationalmssociety.org. Leo Gallagher Funeral Home in Greenwich is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
August 4, 2014
was a student at st peter's school in Danbury loved his sermons.always dramatic and spoken with great flair.had a great sense of humour and was so smart.very shy and sweet and I will always remember his quiet greatness.a great guy.glad our paths crossed.i first met him when I was 11. I am now 72 I can still see his face and hear his voice with it's perfect diction .rest in peace marty.will never forget you. BOB RUSSELL NEW YORK CITY
April 9, 2014
Frances Brocklebank
Father Hitchcock was pastor at St. Mary's when I came to this country in 1974. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was certainly one of God's special souls. I shall never forget him.
April 1, 2014
Edward Napolski
He was always an inspiration and friend. I will never forgt him
March 31, 2014
M Weathers
May memories of Rev. Martin sustain you and may you find comfort in God's word (John 5:28).
March 30, 2014
George Murphy
To the family of the Rev. Hitchcock my prayers are with you at this time.
A good man - knew him as Principal of St. Peter School Danbury CT as well as via my parents relationship with Father. My parents stayed in touch at Christmas and I follow the good Father with Mrs. Cleary's stories of his letters and the need for a typewriter. Also knew him to play the organ at St. Peter Church to loud but seeing who he studied with I now understand. I also remember his Thunderbirds.
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Funeral services provided by:
Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Greenwich31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830-6512
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