Captain Frank Thomas Hinchy, USN (Retired) passed away peacefully on 16 May 2025, setting sail on his final journey. Born in Newark, New Jersey, on 13 November 1937, Frank lived a life defined by dedication-to family, country, faith, and community. At the time of his passing, he resided at Heath Village in Hackettstown, NJ with his beloved wife of 53 years Nancy Carolyn {Maurer) Hinchy.
A proud alumnus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Frank served in the United States Navy from 1960 until his retirement in 1990. His 30-year career was marked by distinction and honor, commanding the USS Boulder, USS Harlan County, and U.S. Naval Communication Station in the Philippines. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility.
Frank’s career was as varied as it was accomplished. In the early 1970s, he reported to the Chief of Naval Operations as the Navy’s expert in satellite communications {which he always noted as “expert(?)â€), spent a year at the U.S. Army War College, and concluded his naval service with a final tour at the Air Force Space and Missile Center at the LA Air Force Base. He retired from active duty on 1 October 1990-thirty years and four days after first putting on the uniform.
Following his Navy career, Frank brought his leadership and technical skills to Boaz Allen Hamilton and Raytheon, before becoming officially “retired, retired†at the age of 65. In the years that followed, he enjoyed life with Nancy by his side- traveling, volunteering, and making the most of each day. When asked how he was doing, he would often flash a puckish grin and reply, “Ginger Peachy.â€
Frank was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and played an active role in the faith community at Heath Village, providing technical support for Catholic services. He also served as President of the Residents Council, continuing his lifelong habit of leadership, and engagement on behalf of others.
Frank was the father of five children: Deborah (Hinchy) Brown, Barbara Hinchy-Prevo, Robert Hinchy, Carolyn (Hinchy) Wertman, and Karen Hinchy. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren. He also had a soft spot for his many grand-dogs, who always brought him joy. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank Thomas Hinchy and Susan Imelda (Clark) Hinchy, and by his sister, Maureen Anne (Hinchy) Kmetz.
Those who knew Frank will remember him as a devoted husband, the world’s best father, a tireless problem solver who wouldn’t stand by when someone needed help, and a man who never failed to tell his loved ones how proud he was of them. His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11 :00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Parish in Long Valley, NJ. A reception and sharing of happy memories wilt follow at Heath Village in Hackettstown. Interment will take place later at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research, PO Box 32141
New York, NY 10087-2141 in memory of Frank. www.OCRAHope.org. |