William J. Hunt, Jr.

SILVER LAKE- William J. Hunt, Jr.

Bill passed away peacefully at his home on December 11, 2022 at the age of 85 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on June 4, 1937 in Akron, Ohio. Years later, his family moved to Cuyahoga Falls where Bill attend schools, graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1955 with Ruthie (Infield) – his playmate from kindergarten (!), who by then was his high school sweetheart. Bill attended Miami University of Ohio and Kent State University. He went to work for the family business – Hunt Machine and Manufacturing Company and, when his father died in 1969, Bill became owner and President of the company.

Bill and Ruth married in 1958 and raised three wonderful children who blessed them with eight grandchildren (who called him Papa) and two great-grandchildren (who called him G-Pa). Bill’s first priority and love was his family. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and was always interested in the decisions they were making about their futures - offering advice or lending a hand in any way he could. He was so proud of each and every one of them, and expressed how blessed he was to see them often.

Bill was a Mason (Star Lodge #187) and past president of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #80. He was an active member of the Falls Rotary Club, Falls Jaycees, and the Gyro Men’s Club of Akron. Bill was also an active member, and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees, of the First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, where he and Ruth were married and both sang in the choir. As a member of Silver Lake Country Club, he enjoyed many hours of golf with his golfer buddies, and he and Ruth especially enjoyed the many golf trips south with their good friends from SLCC. He was thrilled when he made his second hole-in-one at his “home course” – having made his first in Scottsdale. He always said, “I’d rather be lucky than good anytime!” when asked about the holes-in-one. Bill also loved fishing and hunting, played a mean hand of euchre, and was always willing to share a pour of Ketel One.

Preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and William, he leaves to mourn his love and wife of more than 64 years, Ruthie; son, David Hunt of Kent, Ohio; daughter, Diane Hoelzel (Robert) of Hudson, Ohio; daughter, Debra Harrison (Bradley) of Potomac Falls, Virginia; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also to mourn his passing are sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay and David Hansford, their three daughters and their families; special cousins, Sue and Kathy; and sister, Patricia.

Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated and there will be no calling hours or service. A private family service will be held at a later date and his final resting place will be at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park in Cuyahoga Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice. To send condolences or sign the guest book, please visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com