Douglas "D.J." Hitchner, Jr.

Douglas “D.J.” Hitchner Jr., a father, son, husband, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and friend, passed away in South Jersey on September 19, 2023, at the age of 27.

D.J. was born on September 17, 1996, to parents Douglas Hitchner Sr. and Lisa Hill, who he is survived by. Other survivors include his daughter, Arya, who was born in 2022, and his wife, Sara Chester. D.J. graduated from Salem County Vocational Technical School in 2014 and worked as an equipment operator for DunRite Sand and Gravel in Vineland. A South Jersey native, D.J. knew Salem and Cumberland County like the back of his hand. His hobbies and favorite things included fixing cars, roadtripping, Harley Davidsons, and Monster energy drinks; however, his favorite thing to do was be with his daughter, Arya.

Other survivors affected include his stepfather Tommy Robinson; sisters Jaydyn Robinson and Kirsten Hitchner; brother-in-law Ron Williams; niece and nephew Myla and Julius; grandparents Donna Hitchner and Calvin Hill Sr.; and best friend Stephan Dean, along with Dean’s wife Sarah and their three children: Genevieve, Stephan, and Remington. He is predeceased by grandparents Frank Hitchner and Jean Hill.

Family and friends described D.J. as one of the most honest, respectful people you’d ever meet—  an overall “badass” willing to give anyone the shirt off his back. Memories with D.J. include watching the sunset, go-kart racing with his sister Jaydyn, playing roulette and putting it all on black, and driving to Wildwood just for pizza at his favorite place. D.J.'s accomplishments included his GMC Duramax, building flatbeds, welding, and being a dad to his daughter.

Services will be held 11:30 AM, Friday, September 29th at WOODSIDE FUNERAL HOME, 613 Salem Quinton Rd., Salem, NJ 08079 (Quinton Twp.) where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:30 AM.  A visitation will also be held for family and friends on Thursday, September 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations for D.J.'s
daughter, Arya: Please make checks payable to Arya Hitchner (Trust Fund), PSEG NEFCU, PO Box 232, Hancock's Bridge, NJ 08038.

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