Charles Mitchell Hammond Jr.

Charles Mitchell Hammond Jr., known as Mitch, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home in New Kent, Virginia, on Nov. 10, 2020. He was born on Mar. 14, 1937, the first of five children to the Rev. Charles Mitchell Hammond Sr. and Altha Hammond.

Mitch graduated from Lock Haven Area High School and enlisted into the United States Navy. He attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1960. He served his country as an officer in the Navy until 1968 before pursuing a career in physics.

Mitch received his PhD in physics from Pennsylvania State University and became the first physicist employed at Welch Allyn Inc. in Skaneateles, New York. He retired as Chief Scientist after a long career, having been named in 22 patents registered to Welch Allyn.

Early in his life in Skaneateles, he met and married Joyce Bishop, a local schoolteacher. Following Joyce’s untimely death in 2009, Mitch migrated to Oakton, Virginia. There, he found love again with Barbara Bingley, a contract administrator with General Dynamics. Barbara retired, and the two of them widely traveled and shared adventures. After they married, they moved to New Kent, Virginia.

Mitch was a born scientist and teacher. Throughout life, he enjoyed little more than being in his lab, thinking, and creating. He loved gardening, competitive shooting, hiking, and camping.

Mitch was predeceased by his brother, Stan Hammond, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, who passed away in 2013.

Mitch is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of New Kent, Virginia; brother, John Hammond of State College, Pennsylvania;, sisters, Sharon Bassett of Petersburg, Pennsylvania and Mary Anderson of Oakton, Virginia; nephews, Tom Hammond of State College, Ed Hammond of Mechanicsburg, and Brad Rosenberg of Culpeper, Virginia; niece, Ruth Hammond of Mechanicsburg; and his treasured grand-nephews Mitchell, Lex, and Kol.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Center County Memorial Park, State College, Pennsylvania, with full Military Honors by The State College American Legion, Post 245. Pastor Larry McReynolds of King of Glory Lutheran in Providence Forge, Virginia, conducted services. Mitch was laid to rest beside his father and mother in Centre County Memorial Park in State College. Services were entrusted to Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, State College.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 322 Eight Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or King of Glory Lutheran Church, 9120 Pocahontas Trial, Providence Forge, VA, 23140.

Online condolences can be made at heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.