John A. Hunter

1937 - 2021

John A. Hunter
June 29, 1937 - January 5, 2021
Resident of Clayton, California
John was born to Frances Cannata and John G. Hunter in San Francisco, CA on June 29, 1937.
John grew up in Richmond, CA along with his three sisters, Janet, Joan, and Marlene. He attended Richmond Union High School where he met and fell in love with Carol Altman, who would change his life forever. John and Carol were married for over 60 years. They married on September 7, 1958 in Richmond, CA and soon began to raise a family.
After graduating from High School in 1955, John earned an AA degree from Contra Costa Junior College and attended the George Meany Center for Labor Studies. He entered the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers apprenticeship program and was initiated into Local #302 in 1957 where he began a 46-year career that spanned from an apprentice electrician, journeyman electrician, foreman, Assistant Business Manager and eventually Business Manager, all with the IBEW. Early in his career with the IBEW, John became close friends with S.R. ("Jack") McCann. This was a friendship that included John's wife Carol and Jack's wife Jo and would last for the remainder of the two men's lives. The two families shared many vacations and good times together. In 1987 John was appointed International Representative in the Ninth District where, along with his organizing responsibilities, he serviced four locals and advised district locals on the emerging voice-data-video industry. John retired from the IBEW in 2002. John's lasting impact on the electrical industry was due to his true love of people and genuine desire to help others. He had the ability to patiently listen to concerns of all people and then calmly talk through any situation so all involved felt that they were properly heard and respected.
John's life embodied far more than a successful career. He was a confident yet humble man and a role model to all that knew him. John was a loving father and husband and his marriage with Carol is one that is represented by respect, humility and empathy; one that even after so many years have passed inspires not only their sons and their families but countless others who came to know them. Camping trips to Lake Shasta and "living off the land" are memories that will last a lifetime for John and Carol's three sons.
John and Carol enjoyed a rich life together. Fishing, particularly sturgeon, was a passion for both of them. They were members of the Sportsmen Yacht Club in Antioch for 30 years. You could find them most weekends onboard the "Carol J" (their fishing boat). While Carol always seemed to catch the big ones, John was notoriously quick to point out that "it all comes down to where you anchor the boat." Somehow, John usually ended up in the picture holding Carol's fish mumbling something about it being too heavy for her to lift. Traveling around the country in a 5th wheel was also a regular post-retirement passion. A driving trip to New York City is one that stands out as particularly eventful. Carol always had the role of navigator on these trips, so when they ended up lost, or driving the wrong way down a one-way street in Idaho, guess who took the "blame". Bocce ball also meant a great deal to John, a sport that allowed him the opportunity to do something he loved; socialize. He truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know people.
In an effort to be in a position to help others, John joined and was very active in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). He had a drive and passion to help all people whenever possible. Of course he didn't mind wearing the very official looking CERT hat and would lay in wait for some poor unsuspecting person to ask what CERT stands for. After 20 minutes of explaining and a little cajoling, CERT had a new recruit and John had a new friend. John loved his community of Clayton, where he lived with Carol for 56 years, often volunteering for CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association). He loved volunteering to drive the golf cart down from the senior center to the downtown parades and festivals because it gave him a captive audience and the chance to talk with the people he loved.
John had a very unique ability to turn any situation into a positive for all involved. A memory that comes to mind is when John and Carol decided it was time to have a garage sale. John had about 50 old bricks that he was meaning to get rid of, but never had the time. Every person that bought something at the sale received a free brick. It was amazing watching the bewildered expression on people's faces as they walked back down the driveway to their car with their .25 cent record and proud owners of a free brick. They didn't know what hit them, but they enjoyed the experience. John made everything he did fun for all involved.
Family was everything to John. He cared deeply for his wife Carol, their three sons and spouses, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters, brothers in-law, sister in-law, nieces and nephews and all of their extending families. He understood the value and importance of carrying on traditions as a way of keeping family and friends together. While there are many from which to choose, the annual abalone hunt camping trip stands out as a tradition emblematic of John's way. It was extremely important to John that his sons and grandchildren learned the value of hard work and being honest to yourself and others. When each of the grandchildren reached the age of 9 or 10 years old, they were invited to enjoy a family tradition of Tool Time with Papa. This usually involved building a birdhouse and being taught how to safely use all the hand tools required. At the end of the weekend long session, they were awarded a Certificate of Completion from John.
John was very close to his two older sisters Janet and Joan and his younger sister Marlene. The families would spend every Thanksgiving and Christmas together at John's mother and father's house. A modest home in Richmond would be packed with family and with kids laughing, opening presents and sharing the Holiday spirit together. The families would also spend weekends away at their cabin in Monte Rio on the Russian River. The family's activities included fishing, abalone hunting and playing Tripoli and other games together. This togetherness instilled a since of family for generations. This was very important to John.
John was pre-deceased by his older sister Janet. He is survived by his wonderful wife Carol, his three sons John, Mike and Steve, his two sisters Joan and Marlene, eleven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
John will always be remembered for his dedication and devotion to his family. His legacy for family, friends and the IBEW will live on.
We will miss you Dad.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the IBEW Local 302 Sick Committee at Contra Costa County Electrical Workers Benefit Office, 1330 Arnold Dr., Suite 250, Martinez CA 94553.


View the online memorial for John A. Hunter