John Christopher Hatch, 79, a longtime resident of Needham, Dover, Medfield and Vineyard Haven, died March 27, at North Hill in Needham.

Born and raised in Marshfield, he graduated in 1943 from Marshfield High School. Mr. Hatch then joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1945. After the service, he completed his studies at Dartmouth College, graduating with the class of 1951.

Mr. Hatch spent his entire working life in the insurance industry, first with Field and Cowles, then with Alexander and Alexander, and finally as president of Hatch, Anderson, O'Donnell in Arlington.

Throughout his adult life Mr. Hatch was actively involved in civic, fraternal and charitable affairs. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a parishioner at both Christ Episcopal Church, Needham and Trinity Episcopal Church, Boston. Mr. Hatch coached Little League baseball, served on the personnel committee and finance committee for the town of Needham, and was elected a selectman in Needham, where he served for one term from 1970 to 1973.

In his later years he and his wife, Sherry, traveled widely and around the world, developing a particular affinity for Australia and the South Pacific. They were blessed by many friends and lifelong companions both at home and at sea. The support, visitations and kindness of this extended family amidst his failing health was a great gift and a source of much love and spiritual sustenance.

Perhaps his deepest passion and lifelong avocation was a dedication to animal welfare and protection. Mr. Hatch served for many years on the board of directors of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, including a long stint as its chairman. His other board affiliations were the Massachusetts Association of the Blind, South Norfolk County Association for Retarded Citizens, and the executive committee of the Algonquin Club. He was commodore of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.

A succession of loyal and beloved dogs were a part of his daily life, and even in failing health and institutional confinement he loved nothing more than the occasional visit from a kindly four-legged friend.

Survivors include his dearly loved wife and best friend for more than 50 years, Sherry Hatch of Medfield; his children, Christopher H. Hatch of Mississauga, Ontario, Melissa H. Hirschtick of Lexington and Mark H. Hatch of Stockbridge; and a brother, Richard Hatch of Newcastle, Me. He was a very proud Poppa to Jim, Peter, Juliana, Derek, Ruth and Benjamin Hatch and William, Emily, Sam and Nathaniel Hirschtick.

Mr. Hatch had asked that his body be donated to Harvard Medical School for research into Alzheimer's Disease, after which time cremation and private interment will follow.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland avenue, Needham.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Needham or to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler street, Boston MA 02116.