Gary Hunter

Gary Hunter, 81, of Cortland, Ohio, took his final flight, Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, destination heaven.  

He was born April 2, 1942 in Warren, Ohio, 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 50s, 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 great part, with good friend, Billy Griffin. 

After his retirement from Packard Electric in 1994, he began camping, and this became a wonderful summer past time 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. I think 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; his grandchildren, Kayla Shaffer of Cortland and Jacob Shaffer of Girard; his special birthday niece, Linda Burkett; his 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 is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marge McConnaughy; his two brothers, Bob Davis and William Hunter; his niece, Leslie Piotrowski and his nephew, Mark Hunter.

At Gary’s request, there will be no calling hours. 

Memorial contributions may be made, in his name, to Hospice of the Valley, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, Ohio 44420.

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