HARRISVILLE, NY — Ben James Hunter, 69, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning on Aug. 9, 2018, at his home in Harrisville, NY.
Born Oct. 16, 1948, in Carthage, NY, a son of James Hunter, Jr. and Evelyn Cring Hunter, he was a 1966 graduate of Harrisville Central School and attended the Utica School of Commerce in 1967.
Ben married Linda Tennant on August 3, 1968, at Presbyterian Church in Star Lake, NY.
Ben spent time as Chief of Police in the village of Harrisville and undersheriff of Lewis County. Ben worked at J & L in Newton Falls, St. Joe in Balmat and Syracuse Safety Lights, before spending 33 years as a supervisor for Asplundh Brush Control retiring in 2011. He additionally co-owned Hunter’s View with his wife that they built in 1987.
Ben was a devoted husband, father and grandparent.
Upon his retirement, Ben truly enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. His other hobbies included hunting, fishing, bowling, wine making, spending time boiling at Wicks’ Sugarbush and traveling with his family.
He was a very active member of the Lewis County Republican Committee. His community involvement included Assistant Chief of Harrisville Fire Department, active Vice President of the Town of Diana Historical Museum, previous member of the Harrisville Central Board of Education, and charter member of the Lions Club. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Harrisville and also attended East Pitcairn Wesleyan Church.
Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda (Tennant) Hunter; three children, Scott Hunter of Osceola, NY, Angelia Fowler (Kraig Kempney) of Harrisville, NY, and Nicole Best of Sackets Harbor, NY; five sisters; Alice (Joe) Weeks, Anna (Wayne) Weaver, Elizabeth (Rudy) Eisel, Gloria (David) Tapke, Deborah (Allen) Tennant.
He is also survived by his seven precious grandchildren, Ashlee, Kylee, Hunter, Wayne, Tiffany, Timmy and Ethan and four great-grandchildren, Destiny, Kamdyn, Jace and Carson.
He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Theodore and James III.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Town of Diana Historical Museum, PO BOX 216, Harrisville, NY 13648.
Calling hours will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Frary Funeral Home, Harrisville. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home with the Reverend Doug Ploof officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
A reception for everyone following the service will be held at the Harrisville Fire Department.
Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
