Obituary

Robert "Rob" Neill Hatch, 54, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away on April 3, 2024. He was born
on May 21, 1969, in Quito, Ecuador. Rob was a beloved husband to Marialice Hatch, a devoted
father to Elena O'Neil (Austin O'Neil), Antonio Hatch (Janet Jian), and Liliana Hatch, a caring
son to Alice Hatch, and a cherished brother to Madelle Hatch (Carlos Guerrico). He was
preceded in death by his father, Robert Allen Hatch.
Rob studied Philosophy and Political Science at Wheaton College and English at the University
of Tennessee, Chattanooga (UTC). Rob flourished in his career in the tech industry with his
deep thinking, vision, and empathy. He held a variety of roles in product management and
development management at Skuid and Nintex after a long career as Director of User
Experience at Unum. A recent member of North Shore Fellowship after 30 years at New City
Fellowship, Rob was active in leadership, ministry, and enjoyed playing bass in the worship
band.
A bilingual citizen of the world, Rob spent two years after college working with IFES
(InterVarsity) in Madrid, Spain, and later with InterVarsity at UTC. Rob was deeply rooted in
Chattanooga where he lived for 30+ years, with a profound commitment to family, faith and
community. He was a deep and independent thinker and avid reader, always curious and
interested in the intersection of ideas and faith. He was dedicated to pursuing justice and
advocating for the marginalized. Rob was appreciated as a good listener and effective
communicator; he was a mentor to his family, and to many at church and work. His diverse array
of interests spanned European soccer, jazz, urban planning and public transportation, local and
international politics, and the visual arts. Living in the mountains of Tennessee, cycling and
hiking brought him great joy.A celebration of Rob Hatch's life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 13th at Ponders
Funeral Home, 4203 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to
the following local Chattanooga charities: Faith Co-op Chattanooga , LifeSpring Community
Health , Love's Arm Outreach Ministry , or East Lake Expression Engine .
A celebration of Rob Hatch's life will be held on Saturday, April 13 at Ponders Funeral Home,
4203 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga. Visitation with family members at 2:00pm and service at
3:00pm. Informal gathering of friends and family will take place from 5:00 - 9:00 pm at The
Greenhouse Taproom, 336 E M L King Blvd.