George Hunter
1929 - 2024
Obituary
George J. “Bud” Hunter passed January 16 after a long and blessed life. He was born in Syracuse to William and Mary Ethel Hunter, one of six children. Bud attended St. John the Evangelist High School and graduated Lemoyne College in 1953. He had a long and distinguished career at American Airlines for forty years, working in Manhattan initially and ultimately returning to Syracuse in the 1960s. He married Claire (O’Donnell) in 1955. They were blessed with forty years of marriage and eight children. He was predeceased by his wife, and daughters Martha and Mary, and siblings, Bill, Peggy, Joanne, and John.
Bud is survived by two daughters, Ann (Vinny) Kitts of Camillus, Janet (Mark) Schulte of Dewitt, and four sons, Joe (Keenie) of Myrtle Beach, Kevin (Allyson) of East Syracuse, Andrew (Kathlene) of Westvale, and John (Kim) of Liverpool, 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and his sister Patricia (John) Greis of East Syracuse and many nieces and nephews.
In retirement, following the advice of his late wife, he volunteered for multiple organizations including: St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Lucy’s food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and in many roles at St. Daniel’s School and Church.
Bud had a lifelong passion for aviation and travel. He shared that passion with his family through countless trips across the country and the world. He was an avid photographer and was sure to document family moments. His greatest legacy is his steadfast Catholic faith.
Calling Hours will be held at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E. Genesee St. Syracuse on Friday, January 19th from 4-6 pm. A mass of Christial Burial will be held Saturday, 11:00 at Holy Cross, Dewitt.
A special note of thanks to the staff at Menorah Park for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Daniel’s Church and St. Lucy’s Food Pantry.