ONSET – Mr. Bruce Linwood Hutchins, 82, of Onset, formerly of Dracut, former Dracut High School principal died Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness.

For 30 years Mr. Hutchins was a devoted educator. He was the voice for the music concerts, home football games and many school functions. Respected by other educators, Mr. Hutchins chaired the Merrimack Valley Principal’s Association for 25 years; was a board member of the MIAA (Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association), was MIAA president for two years, and represented New England on the National Honor Society. He is recognized by the Dracut Scholarship Foundation for directing the first local telethon, which has raised thousands of dollars for local student scholarships.

He coached little league baseball, girls’ softball, and ice hockey. Mr. Hutchins was a member of the Onset Bay Association, coordinator for the Cranberry Region Visitors Center and an avid bridge player and member of the Sippican Tennis Club.

In retirement, the Hutchinses resided in Onset, enjoying the beach and water of the bay. Bruce enjoyed gardening and watching his grandchildren play in the water.

Mr. Hutchins was married for 60 years to Gale L. (Selig) Hutchins. Together they had three children, Kenneth Hutchins and his wife Donna of Manchester, NH, Tamara Powell and her husband Dr. J. of Methuen and William Hutchins and his wife Christina of Tewksbury. Other survivors include his sister, Gertrude Hickox of Chappaqua, NY, and four grandchildren, Samuel, Sophia, Teddy and Jack.  He was predeceased by his brother, the late Otis Hutchins.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Salerno’s Function Hall, 196 Onset Ave Onset, MA 02558 at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to Dracut Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 117, Dracut, MA 01826. Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com