Michael Francis Hatch of Meriden, Connecticut and Charlottesville, Virginia passed away November 16, 2022 at the age of 71, with his daughters at his side, in his home in Charlottesville.

He was born in Lewiston, Maine on July 29, 1951 and was predeceased by his parents Jeannine and Leo Hatch and a brother, Thomas and a beloved aunt and uncle, Tillie and Jerome Quimby.

He attended Meriden Schools excelling in high school football and wrestling.  After high school he enlisted into the US Marine Corp and served from 1969 -71. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict stationed in Da Nang.

Michael owned and operated the Lunch Box Restaurant on East Main Street for 25 years. His signature steam cheeseburgers and egg and steam cheese sandwiches were only rivaled by his unique pancake designs for the kids he served.

He had many loyal customers for years with many staying in contact with him after he retired and moved to Charlottesville. Others have shared memories of his generosity and kindness in times of need. He counseled other veterans as a mentor providing guidance and moral support. He was a member of the Meriden Elks Club, the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW Post 585.

He was a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlottesville as well as St. Rose of Lima Church in Meriden where, as a young boy, he served Mass as an altar boy.

He is survived by his former wife, Donna Downes Fraher and his daughters Sarah Duquette and her husband, Joe, Jilian Hatch and her partner, Joe Rhoten and Maura Jean McCrillis and her husband, Tobin all residing in Charlottesville, VA and Emily Hatch of Wallingford, CT. His grandchildren include Alyssa Gans of Brooksville, FL, Levi, Liam and Finley Mae and Millie Hatch-Rhoten of Charlottesville.

He is also survived by his brother, Dan and his wife, Linda of Old Saybrook, CT and a cherished cousin, Allan Quimby of Meriden, CT.  A niece, Meghan Hatch-Geary and her husband, Paul of Hamden, CT.  and a nephew, Patrick Hatch and his wife Lindsay along with their children Daniel Frank and Tate Buckley of Sayville, NY.  An aunt, Josephine Hatch-Takala of Concord, NH.  A sister-in-law, Terry Hatch of Standish, ME and her daughters, Linda Lawrence of Newington, CT and Tonya Earnhardt of Saco, ME.  He is also survived by many cousins located in New England and beyond.

Family and friends are invited to attend Michael’s Celebration of Life on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at the John J. Ferry Funeral Home 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden, CT. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to: Adult and Teen Challenge Connecticut, 39 North Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 06469 For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com