George J. Hitchcock, 53, of Toronto, OH, passed away suddenly, Tuesday July 28, 2009, in the Emergency Room of Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville.George was born on July 23, 1956 in Steubenville, OH, son of the late George Hitchcock and Sheila (Layman) Hitchcock who survives. He enjoyed an active childhood with his six siblings, and was highly involved in Boys Scouts, obtaining the Order of the Arrow. After graduation from Toronto High School, George attended Yale University where he played football. On December 29, 1978, George married his high school sweetheart, Marion Rogers. He graduated from Yale University in 1980 with a degree in business and statistics. Putting family before his professional aspirations, George moved back to his hometown of Toronto, Ohio to start a family. George was self-employed for many years, in the role of president for three different corporations: Empire Truck and Trailer, Rogers Trucking Company, and Gem City Napa. George loved his family and his home. From the very beginning, George supported his daughters' academic endeavors, creating study workbooks and reading to them every night. Later, he spent his free time at his daughters' grade school, St. Francis Central, volunteering as athletic director, the girls' basketball and softball coach, and also as a playground supervisor. He was always willing to help in whatever way possible. As his daughters entered Steubenville Catholic Central high school, he continued to be directly involved in their activities, attending all games and performances with enthusiasm and interest. In particular, George was a proud band and theater parent, as well as a member of the Bucket Boys, an eclectic group of devoted softball dads. George sacrificed time and energy, while often risking bodily harm, assisting his oldest daughter in developing her pitching abilities. George also supported his youngest daughter by attending every theater, show choir, and music related performance, often helping her in preparation for such performances. As graduation rolled around for each daughter, George delved into SAT prep books, college information guides, and scheduled weekend tours to visit numerous campuses. When his daughters graduated high school and set their hearts on the University of Notre Dame, George continued to support them, by attending all their activities and events. Distance was not a factor in his love and support.Not only was George warm-hearted, supportive, and a wonderful husband and father, he was also brilliant. He met every task from tiling to woodwork to Halloween costume design to cooking with ingenuity and skill. Truly a craftsman in all areas, he excelled at every project he undertook. His expertise at home restoration was beyond professional caliber. He took on each endeavor without hesitation for the love of his family. He was creative, clever, funny, and personable. He had an unsurpassed storytelling ability, as well as a vitality and presence that will be greatly missed.In addition to his mother Sheila of NC, George is survived by his wife Marion (Rogers) Hitchcock; his two daughters, Meredith Lee Hitchcock of Chicago, IL and Kelsey Rebecca Hitchcock, who is currently attending the University of Notre Dame; four brothers, Terry (Meg) Hitchcock of IL, Ed (Lisa) Hitchcock of NC, Jim (Amanda) Hitchcock of IL, and Danny Hitchcock of NC; two sisters, Mary Bradley of NC and Cassie (Scott) Patterson of IL. George is also survived by Marion's family, Darius (Doc) and Betty Rogers of Toronto; Betsie (Ronnie) Michnowicz of Imperial, PA; brothers-in-law Frank Rogers of TX and Jon (Monica) Rogers of Wintersville; as well as several nieces and nephews.Friends and family will be received on Friday, July 31, from 2-4pm and 6-9pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto and again on Saturday morning from 8:45 to 9:30am. Funeral Mass for George will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 10 am at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Toronto with Fr. Thomas Vennitti as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Fort Steuben Burial Estates in Wintersville, OH. There will be a Vigil Service held Friday at 4pm at the funeral home.Memorial donations may be made in George's memory to the St. Francis Central School, c/o 1225 North River Ave., Toronto, OH 43964.

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