William Hunt

Hunt, William CLIFTON PARK Bill Hunt, 66, of Clifton Park, died May 12, 2011, at home surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born November 21, 1945, in Rockville Centre, N.Y. Bill was the son of the late Dorothy and John W. Hunt. He was the middle child of eight siblings. Bill was married to Vera Rodd Hope who survives. Bill received his bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social studies from SUNY Albany. He received his degree in learning disabilities from St. Rose College. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1965 - 1968. From 1973 - 1970 Bill taught at the LaSalle School for Boys in Albany. In addition to teaching he served as chairman of the history department and was job corps coordinator. During this time Bill and his brother Chuck and brother-in-law Pete Baumann owned and operated Harpo's Pub in Albany. In 1980 Bill discovered the field of media and found his life's passion. His first job was with WPTR/WFLY selling commercial time. He transitioned to TV in 1981 joining WTEN as an account executive and was quickly promoted to regional sales manager. Bill moved on in 1984 to sign-on independent TV station WTZA in Kingston, N.Y. were he created a sales force. In 1986 Bill returned to radio as general sales manager of WPYX and WTRY where he set records for revenue growth. In 1990 joined WQBK as vice president of sales and eventually general manager. While at WQBK he brought Howard Stern to the local market. In 1995 Bill bought WEMX 94.5 FM and launched the first FM talk station in the market. Eventually he merged the mix with WKLI and WABY. After over 20 successful years in broadcasting Bill retired and focused on property ownership and management. In 2002 Bill recognized the need for gourmet Italian Ice in this market he opened Jimmy's Italian Ice named in memory of his brother. Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Penelope (Hunt) and Leonardo Macias of Congers, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Dora Hunt of Chicago; step-daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth (Hope) and Francesco Tignini of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Leonardo and Alexander Macias of Congers, and Kelly Hunt of Chicago. He is also survived by his brothers, John Hunt of Sayville, N.Y., Daniel Hunt of Tampa, Fla., Chuck Hunt of Guilderland, N.Y., and Timothy Hunt of Valatie, N.Y., and sisters, Judy Coburn of Hewlett, N.Y., and Anne Baumann of Albany, N.Y. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, James Hunt. The funeral for Bill will be held on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. from the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, N.Y. and at 10 a.m. from St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Pat Butler. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3 - 7 p.m.