IN MEMORIAM: Robert Hutchins, 55;

Lived At Willowbrook Until It Closed

MILFORD – Robert Hutchins, 55, who moved to Upstate New York as part of the Willowbrook Exodus Program, passed away on April 6, 2016. 

He was born on Oct. 23, 1961, in Brooklyn, to a 14-year-old. Robert never left the hospital. He was placed in Willowbrook State School for children with intellectual disabilities, where he lived until 1975. He was moved to a family care home in Binghamton area as a part of the Willowbrook Exodus Program. Robert had issues adjusting to living in a family after having spent the first 14 years of his life in an understaffed and overpopulated institution. 

Seven months later was transferred to the Broome Developmental Center to The Arc Otsego Residential program in 1987 where he resided as one of twelve individuals at the Jefferson Avenue home. In 2009 he moved into a country setting with three other housemates at the Burdick IRA. He attended both the Oneonta Day Services program and the Hartwick Day program.

Robert was a dapper man. He loved to wear his fedora and neckties. He had a captivating smile. He loved ice cream, pumpkin pie, fishing and living in his country home. Music and his guitar were important to Robert. He loved to watch birds. His house and yard were filled with birdfeeders to keep Robert entertained. He loved to sit on the deck, watch the birds and feel the warm sun on his skin.

All of those people who were touched by Robert’s life will miss him dearly. There will be a Celebration of Life at a future time to be determined. Contact The Arc Otsego (607-432-8595) for details.

Remembrances can be made to The Arc Otsego, Helping Hands Fund, PO Box 490, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta.