Hunter M. Foley

Hunter M. Foley, 27, of Watertown, NY beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse following a tragic accident at work.

Hunter was born on August 26, 1998, in Carthage, New York, the son of Michael J. and Jennifer P. (Morgan) Foley.

From an early age, Hunter had a deep love for hockey. He played with the Watertown Hockey Association before transitioning into officiating as he grew older. Hockey remained a lifelong passion, and he became a well-respected and much-loved hockey official. Hunter could be found refereeing countless youth hockey games, advancing to officiate at the high school level, Jefferson Community College games, and men's league hockey throughout the region.

He graduated from General Brown High School in 2016, where he played both hockey and lacrosse.

Hunter attended Jefferson Community College, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice. While attending college, he also played lacrosse. Over the years, he worked various jobs in the local area, most recently at Heller's Gas, where he was employed from February 5, 2025, until the time of his passing.

Hunter may have been small in stature, but he was larger than life in heart and spirit. He was loyal and loving, hardworking, and loved his family fiercely. He lived life to the fullest, treating everyday as an adventure. He enjoyed golfing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. His favorite past time, however, was four wheeling in the Tug Hill Region with his friends, the more mud the better! He rocked a mullet better than Billy Ray Cyrus and if anyone was going to revive the trend, it was Hunter. His dance skills cannot go without mention, when the beat dropped so did he. His infectious personality, kind heart, and loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will live on through the wonderful memories he made with the people he loved. In the rev of every engine, in the slap of every puck, in the music playing on the trails, in the moments of silence in the woods, he will be there.

Hunter is survived by his loving parents, Michael J. and Jennifer P. Foley; his brother, Riley C. Foley; and his trusted companion and beloved dog, Remington. He is also survived by his maternal grandfather, Daren L. Morgan of Theresa, NY; his maternal uncle and fiancée, Michael S. Morgan and Charlotte Struble of Antwerp, NY; his forever aunt Kelly and her husband Tom Hull of Antwerp, NY; his paternal uncle, William and Sherrie Foley of Philadelphia, NY; and his paternal aunts, Carol Percy, Debbie Foley, and Brenda Foley, all of Black River, NY. He is further survived by many cousins, including Kadence Morgan, Madison Struble, Scott Foley, Jason Foley, Jennifer Percy, Kilee Percy, Brian (Jenna) Percy, Heidi England, and Cory Gossiaux.

Hunter was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Beverly Morgan, who we are sure was waiting for her golden boy with open arms; his paternal grandparents, William and Marion Foley; his paternal uncle, Rick Gossiaux; his paternal cousin Chad Lawrence and his paternal aunt, Sharon Langridge.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In honor of Hunter, the family request everyone wear their favorite Hunter attire, jeans, cowboys boots, hoodies or flannels. Family and friends are then invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life beginning at 4:00 PM at Spook Hill Bar & Restaurant in Adams, NY.

Donations in Hunter's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, care of Stacey Spaziani, 204 Iroquois W Avenue, Watertown, NY 13601. The American Heart Association played an important part in his life. At the age of 12, Hunter underwent successful open-heart surgery to repair an atrial septal defect. Though he may have had a hole in his heart, his heart was truly larger than life.

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com