Hunter Dean Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, Hunter Dean

Beloved father, husband, son, and brother, age 35, passed away on Friday, November 4th, 2022. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, he was the son of Heidi Kipp Wallingford and Dean Henry Wallingford. Hunter brought his strong spirit, gentle heart, quick humor, and passionate creativity and curiosity to everything he did. He was undeniably unique, and many looked up to him for his authenticity. His love for family and friends was boundless. He was raised in Danvers, Massachusetts. Hunter's love of nature and reading were evident early in childhood. He attended Glen Urquhart School, where he flourished, and graduated from Danvers High School in 2005. His high school years were spent bringing his unique talent to many leading roles in the Danvers Youth Theater, a group he adored. At 4 years old he wanted to be an Eagle Scout, which he earned through the support and guidance of Troop 67 in 2005, an honor he was very proud of. Hunter attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, where he was involved with many clubs, including Sketch22, a comedy group. Hunter earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He majored in Sociology and Anthropology, combining diverse topics that were tailored to his interests, such as the anthropology of food, activism and the law, and creativity in communication. Through his studies he developed a passion for writing, character development, and story composition. In recent years Hunter applied this passion and generated intricate and compelling science fiction content which he shared with close friends. He excelled in management positions, and established a strong presence as a manager and auctioneer at Kimballs Auction & Estate Services, recently reuniting with this company. Hunter took utmost pride in the years he spent as a loving stay-at-home dad to his two children, Tiberius and Persephone, affectionately nicknamed Ty and Sephie, the lights of his life. He also enjoyed theater, living out his rock star dream through karaoke, exploring the natural world through long walks and self driven education, reading comic books and science fiction novels, collecting and listening to music, and playing Magic with friends. A lifelong learner, Hunter was devoted to expanding his knowledge of physical sciences and life sciences, while his compassion led him to study civil rights and the pursuit of equality and equity for all. In addition to his beloved parents, Heidi and Dean Wallingford, Hunter is survived by his children, Tiberius Hunter Wallingford and Persephone Jean Wallingford, his wife, Mary Wallingford, along with his sister, Ariana DeSesa and her husband Michael DeSesa, his youngest sister, Chloe Bennett, and her partner, Robert Taeger, his nephews Avery, Rylee, Levi, and Noah, and his niece, Hazel. He is also survived by his cherished aunts, Benta Kipp, Jenny Kipp, and Jane Sullivan, his treasured uncles, Bryan Cain, Ken Keene, and Ed Sullivan, his cousins, Quinn Keene, River Keene, Matthew Sullivan, and Hannah Sullivan, his grandparents, Henry M. Wallingford (deceased), Natalie Wallingford, Robert Kipp, Rozanne Weinberg Kipp, Elaine Glass, and Brian Glass, and countless lifelong friends.

Together we work to take joy in life, which is beyond any doubt what Hunter wanted for each and every person who came into his life.

No peace lies in the future

Which is not hidden in this present instance.

Take peace.

The gloom of the world

Is but a shadow;

Behind it, yet within reach, is joy.

Take joy. - Fra Giovanni 1553

Visiting hours will be Saturday, November 26th, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, at 10 North Street, Danvers, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Hunter's Celebration of Life after visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations graciously accepted in Hunter's memory to support his family in his absence : https://gofund.me/432b7f62

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