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CORTLAND -- Gary Hunter, 81, of Cortland, took his final flight Sunday, April 23, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, destination heaven.
He was born April 2, 1942, in Warren, the son of Harold and Harriet Hunter and was a graduate of Cortland High School in 1960.
Gary never met a stranger and could hold a conversation with anyone and would. He had an incredible sense of humor, was very creative, loved flying and camping. He lived life to the fullest and had so many wonderful experiences and adventures. As a youngster he was an accomplished trumpet player and played on stage with Louis Armstrong; something he loved to bring up if music was the topic. He loved classic cars and attending car shows. In the late 1950s, he belonged to a club called The Lakesters.
He also had his pilot's license and owned numerous planes over the years. In 2018, he was inducted into the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum, of which he was a big part, with his good friend, Billy Griffin.
After his retirement from Packard Electric in 1994, he began camping, and this became a wonderful summer pastime he looked forward to each year. One of his favorite parts was snacks around the campfire each night. He frequented the Moose Club with friends, ensuring he got in for the weekly drawing and enjoyed having breakfast with "the boys."
His love for his two grandchildren, Kayla and Jacob, was abundant and he looked forward to seeing them whenever he could. It is safe to say, he left this life with no stone unturned.
He is survived by his two daughters, Pam (Ken) Corle of Cortland and Chris Shaffer of South Carolina; two grandchildren, Kayla Shaffer of Cortland and Jacob Shaffer of Girard; his special birthday niece, Linda Burkett; a nephew, Jeff Hunter; and many more nieces and nephews out West. He also leaves behind his four-legged companions, Bella and Abby, that will, no doubt, miss their "dad" spoiling them.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marge McConnaughy; two brothers, Bob Davis and William Hunter; a niece, Leslie Piotrowski; and a nephew, Mark Hunter.
At Gary's request, there will be no calling hours.
Cremation will take place and has been entrusted to Oak Meadow Cremation Services.
Memorial contributions may be made, in his name, to Hospice of the Valley, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420.
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