Wednesday, October 5, 2022 5:11 am

ROCHESTER - Jack P. Hatfield Sr. completed his life journey peacefully on Sept. 28, 2022, after a period of failing health.

Jack was born in Wichita, Kan., on July 15, 1948, to Selma (Kaufman) and Paul Hatfield, and grew up in his mother's home town of Moundridge, Kan. Jack had many fond memories of growing up in a small town with his sister, Jill ,and their Kaufman cousins. Jack graduated from the Wentworth Military Academy in 1966 and began his 20-year career in the Air Force in 1967. Jack's service included serving in Vietnam from 1970-71.

Over his 20-year career Jack was stationed all around the world, but his favorite assignment was being based at the Pease Airforce base in Portsmouth, which is where he met his future wife Susan (Harrington). Jack and Sue returned to the Seacoast to raise their family after Jack retired from the Air Force.

Jack loved music and would spend hours building carefully curated playlists on his beloved iPhone. Jack believed weekends were for watching sports, especially baseball, football, and the college bowl season. Jack spent many years cheering each of his kids on in their selected sports of choice.

Jack is survived by his wife of 43 years Susan C Hatfield of Rochester, daughter Melanie (James) Merz of South Berwick, Maine, sons Jack Jr. (Melissa) of Tilton, and Robert of Portsmouth, and his four grandchildren Evelyn and George Merz and Oliver and Liam Hatfield. Jack is predeceased by his parents and his sister.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Rochester Manor for their compassionate care of Jack and for the respectful caregiving they provide to all veterans in their care.