Robert A. Hunter, WW II Marine Corps Veteran
TEWKSBURY: Robert A. (Bob) Hunter, age 95, a longtime resident of Tewksbury for 91 years, and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 10, 2019.
He was the beloved husband of 70 years to Helen (Rouse) Hunter, who passed away on May 19, 2016.
Born in Chipley, FL, on April 9, 1923, he was the son of the late Robert A. Hunter and the late Mayme (Hall) Battles.
Bob was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School in 1940. He played varsity hockey and baseball. He was also Captain of the football team. Following graduation, he attended a year at Tilton School in Tilton, NH. He always felt that year in preparatory school had a major impact on his life, and attended all reunions with pride, never missing a single one.
He met the love of his life, Helen R. Hunter (Rouse) after completing boot camp on Paris Island, SC, and while training in NC for Infantry Training School. He served in the Pacific Theater on Midway Island and completed his Marine career as a Sergeant. Bob and Helen were married in 1946, after promising to come back to her.
He returned to Tewksbury in 1946, and started a family while working as an orchardist on his family’s farm on North Street. He also returned to college at Lowell Teachers college, where he earned his BS in Education. He earned his Master’s in Education and Counseling at Salem State College, and took courses at B.U. to continue his education in Counseling and Psychology.
He began his career as a guidance counselor in the Dracut Public School System. He worked for MacLellan Oil Company in Tewksbury and decided on a career in sales at General Oil Company in Medford MA as Vice President of Sales for the majority of his career. Upon retirement, he returned to Lowell High School, working in the Guidance Department.
Bob was proud to serve on many boards including the Board of Trustees at First Baptist Church, North Tewksbury, Chairman of the Board of Registrars, and the Tewksbury Historical Society. He was a member of the Tewksbury VFW, and the Marine Corps League.
He was a passionate runner, and participated in many road races in the Merrimack Valley, including the Baystate Marathon. During many of his races, his granddaughters joined alongside him. He, amongst others, founded the New England 65 Plus Runner’s Club.
His love for friends and family was his greatest gift, and he was truly interested in listening and learning about the educational experiences of many. He was always there to listen, encourage, and help anyone that was blessed to know him. The many trips made to North Carolina to visit his wife’s relatives on their way to Florida were some of the best memories of his life.
He is survived by five children, Cheryl Hunter of Boston, Dianne Hunter of Bedford, NH, Robert Hunter of Tewksbury, William Hunter of Lowell, and Sue-Ellen Kazanjian and her husband Alan of Dracut; nine grandchildren, Shane, Dereck, Troy, Tyler, Mark, Nicole, Scott, Lauren and Alyssa, three great grandchildren, Hunter, Adelaide and Noah; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was the brother of the late Donald Hunter and Juanita Barlow.
His family would especially like to thank the entire staff at Mill City Medical for the exceptional care they provided.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 4-7p.m. at Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Family and friends are invited to meet at 11 .am. at the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury on Thursday, Feb. 14, for his funeral service. Following cremation, Bob’s ashes will be interred at Tewksbury Cemetery. Please refrain from sending flowers. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.