Eli Valenzuela will be assume the duties a of President and CEO of First State Manufacturing, Milford, after the passing of Dave Hitchens.
“Hitchens helped us build upon a very firm foundation,” said Sher Valenzuela, vice president. “His business acumen and strategic planning skills were fundamental as we continued to foster our partnerships in the world of commercial transit, pharmaceutical services and military support. While his passing is unexpected and we are personally devastated by his loss, professionally, we forge onward with business as usual.”
First State, based in Milford, is a manufacturer, industrial sewer and supplier of seating cushions for the military, government transportation agencies and other customers. The Valenzuelas founded the company
Hitchens was retired from the U.S. Army and had a long career at Verizon before joining Frist State.
A memorial service for Hitchens are Thursday in Milford. Burial will be private.
Charitable contributions in his memory can be made to Kent Sussex Industries, Milford.
