Dennis J Hunt

Dennis J. Hunt Beloved Husband, Father, Friend, and Teacher A Life-long Resident of Chelmsford
Dennis John Hunt, 79, a lifelong resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, MA. After being diagnosed with bladder cancer this summer, it was the opportunist lung infections that took his life in a matter of weeks. In true Denny style, he maintained his wit, humor, and ability to make others feel good right up until the end. On July 19, 1969, Dennis married his lifelong partner, Yvette (Lemire) Hunt. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of love, laughter, and amusing mishaps. Born in a small farmhouse on Brick Kiln Road, where UPS now stands, to the late Bernard and Catherine (Preston) Hunt. He was a proud graduate of Chelmsford High School, Class of 1964. His supportive family showed him that a farm boy who was offered a four-year Town of Chelmsford scholarship to Lowell State (U Mass Lowell) could graduate with a biology degree and later earn his Master's degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. This was the groundwork of an unbelievable journey that led him to provide unforgettable adventures for Chelmsford 7th graders in Life Science. He proved dreams can come true when his creative teaching earned him recognition as Massachusetts Biology Teacher of the Year in 1995. Dennis dedicated 36 years to the Chelmsford Public School System, where he retired in 2004. A gifted and beloved teacher, Dennis had an incredible ability to connect with students, brighten their days, and inspire their love of learning. Dennis was a member and past president of the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association and a member of the Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Committee. He was honored as a member of the Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame in 2001. After retirement, Dennis continued to serve his community by working part-time at Dolan Funeral Home, where his kindness touched many lives. Dennis loved cycling, spending time with family and friends, and sharing laughter wherever he went. In 2006 he proudly completed his first of many century bicycle rides with his son and daughter. A communicant of St. Mary Church in Chelmsford, Dennis also volunteered with the Marriage Encounter program alongside Yvette, helping to strengthen the bonds of other married couples. Dennis is survived by his wife Yvette and his children: Ryan Hunt and his wife, Lauren of Melrose, MA; Denise Hunt Boucher and her husband, Paul of Chelmsford, MA; and Julie Hunt of Chelmsford, MA. He was the proud grandfather of four cherished grandchildren: Luke and Reese Boucher; Emerson and Ainsley Hunt and his granddog Cooper. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy McDevitt of Tewksbury, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his siblings Sonny Hunt, Gerry Hunt, Barbara Scalley, Mary Clare Sullivan, Miggy Whitney, Stella McCarthy, Sissy Hunt, and Winnie Rutledge. Dennis will be remembered for his wacky humor, his remarkable ability to foster community wherever he went, and his genuine belief in the goodness of others. He had a rare gift for helping people recognize that same goodness within themselves. His enduring legacy lives on in every student he inspired, every moment of laughter he shared, and every life he touched. His family takes solace in knowing that his spirit will continue to bring joy and light to all who remember him.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Dennis's visiting hours will be held Thursday October 16, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. His funeral will be Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00 am from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St Mary Church, 25 North Rd, Chelmsford, MA. Burial will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA immediately following the Mass. Memorials in his name can be made to either the Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Foundation, P.O Box 296, Chelmsford, MA 01824 or the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association, 200 Richardson Rd, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Dolan Funeral Home 978-251-4041.