By Catherine Pugh, Special to the AFRO
Claude Edward Hitchcock III, a respected Baltimore attorney, died Feb. 15 at the age of 81. His life will be celebrated March 7 at the March Life Tribute Center, 5616 Old Court Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland. Private family time will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m.
Hitchcock’s wife, Bobette-Watts-Hitchcock, shared her thoughts on his passing. “His long legal career was stellar. His athletic ability was phenomenal. His love of music showcased his guitar playing and singing. His love of family led to many gatherings full of love and laughter,” she said in an online statement, adding, “ As my husband, he showed me what it feels/looks like to be loved.”
Claude Hitchcock was a well-known attorney in the city of Baltimore. In 1995, then-Mayor Kurt Schmoke picked Hitchcock to head disbursement of the $100 million federally-funded empowerment zone grants designed to target about 10 percent of the city’s population in East, West and South Baltimore. At the time of the appointment, Schmoke pointed out that Hitchcock was leaving a lucrative practice as a partner in the Tydings & Rosenberg law firm.
Schmoke said at the time, “One of Hitchcock’s strengths, since I’ve known him, is as a manager and implementer, just getting things done, keeping people on task, making sure they get the job done.”
Now president of the University of Baltimore, Schmoke said learning of Claude Hitchcock’s death was a blow. “Ed Hitchcock was a fine lawyer, a civic leader, and a great friend to me and my family,” he said.
From October 2009-2019, Hitchcock served as assistant to the president for governmental affairs at Morgan State University. Morgan President David Wilson in announcing the passing of Claude Hitchcock to the Morgan community said, “Claude’s passion for Morgan was unmatched. His commitment to our institution was evident in everything he did, and his leadership left a lasting impact on our University. He was a trusted advisor and a steadfast advocate for Morgan’s continued growth and success. His deep love for this University was reflected in his work, mentorship, and unwavering support for our students, faculty, and staff.”
Claude Hitchcock was a two-time graduate of Morgan State University (Classes of 1965 and 1969) and a graduate of the University of Maryland Law School.
Civil rights attorney and University of Maryland Law Professor Larry Gibson recalled working with Claude Hitchcock in their first political campaign. “Our first political campaign was in 1968 for Judge Joseph Howard. What a truly remarkable man he was,” said Gibson.
Claude Hitchcock is survived by his wife, Bobette Watts-Hitchcock; one daughter, Heather Hitchcock; stepson, Austin Jones; one sister, Cheryl Hitchcock; 14 grandchildren (one deceased); five great- grandchildren (one deceased) and a host of relatives and friends. A daughter, Connie Johnson preceded him in death.
“The most important thing Claude ever did was to give his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is that decision that allows me to rejoice knowing he is safe in the arms of God,” said his wife.
The post Obituary: Claude Edward Hitchcock III, renowned Baltimore attorney, to be memorialized March 7 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
