Thomas Hunter

Hunter, Thomas S. LATHAM Thomas Sanford Hunter, 78, of Latham, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Melrose, N.Y., he was the son of the late Thomas Banker Hunter and Helen (Sanford) Hunter. Tom graduated in 1948 from Watervliet High School, where he met the love of his life and the mother of his three children, Joan Urbanski. After marrying in 1951, they lived in Troy while they began building their family home in Latham. Tom worked for the A&P Tea Company for 29 years and was a store manager in Mechanicville for much of that time. He later worked at St. Colman's Home For Children as the bus driver for the daycare and retired after 23 years. Tom was a devoted husband and loving father, dedicated to providing a good life for his family. He was proud of his part in building the family home and he never hesitated to tackle any project or home repair. Tom enjoyed family time spent at Lake Eaton and Long Lake in the Adirondacks, camping, fishing and hunting. In later years, he enjoyed traveling throughout the country with Joan visiting and vacationing with his children and grandchildren. Tom was a member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192, the St. Ambrose "Young at Heart" Group, and the Town of Colonie Senior Citizens. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan M. Hunter of Latham; his son, Thomas (Felicia) S. Hunter Jr. of Latham, David W. Hunter of Westminster, Colo., and Dr. Bruce E. Hunter of Maplewood. He was the proud grandfather of Lauren and Ian Hunter of Westminster, Colo. and Mackenzie Hunter of Latham. Tom is also survived by his sister, Patricia Hunter of Clifton Park; and his nephew, Christopher Hunter of Malta. He will also be greatly missed by his granddog, Banker. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the heartfelt and compassionate care provided by the staff of the Eddy DayBreak program throughout the past year as well as the Community Hospice and 6th floor staff at Samaritan Hospital during the past month. Funeral 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2008 at St. Mary's Church, Crescent, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held Thursday 4-7 p.m. at the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment will be in Norton Cemetery in Pittstown. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Center at Albany Medical Center, Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, St. Colman's Home or the charity of one's choice in memory of Tom. Directions and condolence page at: www.bowenfuneralhome.com