Robert Denis Hutchison

Robert D. Hutchison, 86, of Hoffman Estates, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, 09/28/26, surrounded by his cherished family.

Robert was born in Derby, CT to Florence (Larger) and Dennis Hutchison. Aside from a very brief stay in Fall River, MA, Robert spent his childhood in “The Valley” - a cluster of blue collar towns (Ansonia, Seymour, Shelton, and Derby CT) populated mainly by factory workers. Growing up there as the son of a Scottish immigrant father who worked in a textile factory 6-7 days/week, especially with his early childhood during WWII, he learned the values of hard work and sacrifice which he would pass on to his children. Robert attended Catholic grade school and high school, and his strong Catholic faith would shape his entire life. After high school he attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1961. From there he continued his education at Fordham University in New York City, earning his law degree in 1964. Before setting off to college, he met the love of his life, Margaret Louise Dacey, on a blind date while still in high school. They would be married for 53 wonderful years until her death in 2017.

Being a man of many interests and talents, Robert’s career(s) would take many twists and turns. After graduating law school, he became a public defender in the District Attorney’s office in Morristown, NJ. He later opened his own practice as a criminal defense attorney in Somerville, NJ, which is where he and mom (Margaret Louise) would settle and raise their family. He decided to open a new chapter in his life in the early 1980’s, becoming the manager of the employee assistance program with AT&T. He was eventually transferred to AT&T’s Chicago office, where he moved with his family in August, 1982, settling in Schaumburg. After many years with AT&T it was time for another endeavor. He dove into the financial services industry, becoming a financial advisor until his retirement.

Robert was a huge sports fan (especially Notre Dame football) and he passed on his love of sports to his children. He could often be heard cheering (and yelling) several houses, and possibly even streets, away during Notre Dame games. He was a pitcher for the Notre Dame baseball team until he hurt his arm in his Freshman year. One of his memorable stories of pitching for Notre Dame is that he once gave up a home run to Carl Yastrzemski. He was a constant presence at his son’s football and baseball games and also coached little league baseball. Not one to sit still for very long, Robert stayed active in his retirement, singing in the church choir, volunteering to do taxes for people in need, and even taking various part-time jobs. He had very strong opinions and enjoyed a lively debate. Most of all, he loved his family dearly and put them above all else. We are grateful that he knew in his final days how much he was loved by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Robert is survived by his three children: Sharon (Eric) Olesen, Robert (Melissa) Jr, and Gregg (Laura). He is lovingly remembered by eight grandchildren: Matthew (Shelley), Meaghan, Maureen, Monica (Mark) Murach, Eric, Rachel, Katie, and Carolyn; three great-grandchildren: Francis, Gene, and George; four step-grandchildren: Evan, Charles, and Gunnar Olesen, and Samantha Migliore; and four step-great-grandchildren: Peyton, Riley, Ella, and Elias.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Louise and his sister Denise.

Friends and family are warmly invited to attend the Wake on Sunday, October 4th, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Countryside Funeral Home, located at 1640 South Greenmeadows Blvd, Streamwood IL. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 5th at St. Marcelline’s church located at 822 South Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg IL at 10:30 AM with prayers at the funeral home at 9:45 AM. Internment to follow Mass in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to JourneyCare Home Health & Hospice.