Robert E. Hunter

Robert E. Hunter, a native of Highland Mills, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, at The Valley View Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Goshen. He was 89 years old.
The son of William and Annie Carroll Hunter, he was born Dec. 16, 1928, in Tuxedo.
“Bob”, as everyone knew him, worked in many trades during his youth, including his “apprenticeship” with his mentor Charles Post, a master carpenter from Harriman.
An independent soul, and not inclined to work for other folks, he and Barbara stuck their necks out and founded Robert Hunter Plumbing & Heating of Highland Mills in the 1960s. Through good years and bad, Bob built a reputable business based on quality work and his impeccable reputation, creating a legacy that he passed on to his namesake, Robert W. when he retired in his seventies.
Bob loved his community, was a charter member of the Woodbury Lions Club, and worked with the Woodbury Boy Scouts. Deeply devout, he was a longtime member and former trustee of the Central Valley United Methodist Church.
He was a voracious reader and student of American history and an avid sailor and former member of the Cornwall Yacht Club. His sloop The Hoyden was his pride and joy. With nerves of steel and a wry sense of humor, he took great pleasure in scaring the wits out of many a passenger on the sometimes precarious waters of the Hudson River.
He loved his family above all else and never failed to help anyone when there was a need.
Survivors include his constant companion and loving wife Barbara J. Cromwell Hunter, at home; his brother, Donald Hunter of Highland Mills; his daughters Kathryn A. Luciana and her husband James of Cornwall and Barbara H. Rafte and her husband Jim of Dover, Delaware; his sons Robert W. Hunter and his wife Maria of Highland Mills and Donald C. Hunter and his wife Suzanne of Russell Springs, Kentucky. Bob’s legacy also includes five grandchildren: Heather, Christopher and his wife Courtney, Justin, Jayson and his wife Whitney, and Kyle; three great grandchildren: Hunter, C.J. and Jaxson; and his nephew Todd Hunter and wife Stephanie of New Hampshire. He also leaves behind his dear friend and caregiver, Maxine Palmer of Monroe. Last but not least is his cat Dorritt who adopted him.
Robert was predeceased by his brother William Hunter and sisters Cora Krom and Margaret and Winifred Hunter.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 515 Route 32, Highland Mills.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. at the same address officiated by Rev. Wendy Paige.
Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Memorial donations may be made to The Woodbury Lions Club, P.O. Box 358, Central Valley, NY 10917, or The Central Valley United Methodist Church, 12 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley, NY 10917.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).