Dr. Richard Edward Hunter

Dick Hunter was a friendly, warm and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor throughout his long life of 103 years. He had an amazing memory and a great sense of humor. He loved to tell stories about his life with family, friends and colleagues.
He was born in Worcester at Memorial Hospital on Memorial Day in 1919 and primarily practiced medicine at Memorial Hospital and the UMass Medical Center. He graduated from Gates Lane School, New Woodland Prep, North High School and Clark University. He was an Eagle Scout and chosen by his troop to attend the 1939 Jamboree in Washington, DC. Dick was thrilled when President, FDR, attended a Washington Senator baseball game with the scouts.
Richard lost his mother, Catherine Powers, in his early childhood and was blessed with a dedicated stepmother, Jeannette Leafe (d.1974). He married his sweetheart, Eleanor Harrington Hunter in 1944 (widowed in 1991). He enjoyed being Dad to their 4 children, Todd Hunter (spouse Julianne Spitz), Elayne Hunter (David Johnson), Jill Keil (Nicholas) and Amy Brown (Douglas) and was Grampy to his 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandboys. He was a loving family member and was predeceased by his sister Marion Trask and brothers William, Robert and Thomas Newton Hunter, as well as his father, William Hunter (d.1954). He remained close and was known as Uncle Dick to an extended family of nieces and nephews and their families. The Hunter Clan has fond memories of annual visits from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and fun filled 4th of July celebrations. His family always had a dog. Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Corgys, and Tea Cup Yorkies were his favorite.
He enjoyed being active and continued his daily exercises into beyond his 100th birthday. He loved connecting with neighborhood friends and was a member of the Tatnuck Island Club and the Tatnuck Country Club. His lifelong hobbies were fishing and golf. He continued to play golf until he was 97 years old and aspired to golf until his death this week. The high point of his golf the hole in one he shot in a Tatnuck Country Club Tournament. He worked hard to perfect his swing and was eager to provide golfing tips as the children and grandchildren joined him on the course. He had a summer home in Marion, Massachusetts that he escaped to often to enjoy golf and fishing for bluefish and stripe bass. During his retirement he had a condominium on a golf course in Fort Myers, Florida where he enjoyed his winter months.
In 1993, he became a loving and dedicated husband to M. Minta Cowan (Shaw) who predeceased him in 2006. As an adult he was committed to volunteering and contributing funds to community organizations: Boy Scouts, YMCA, 1st Congregational Church, Camp Morgan, to name a few. He was grateful to the adults that had encouraged and guided him as a youth. He continues to support the universities he attended and to provides funds for scholarships to Clark University and University of Massachusetts Medical students.
Dr. Hunter earned his undergraduate degree from Clark University in Biology and Chemistry and his medical degree from Boston University. He served a rotating internship at Worcester City Hospital and Residencies at Fort George Meade Hospital (OB/Gyn), Framingham Union Hospital (General Surgery), and Mercy Hospital, Baltimore (OB/Gyn). He was a member of the American board of OB/Gyn and a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He had hospital appointments at UMass Hospital, Worcester, Memorial Hospital, Worcester, St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, and Berkshire Medical Center. He had teaching appointments at UMass Medical School (Professor and Chairman), Tufts University School of Medicine (Director He went on to have a successful career in medicine in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a clinician, researcher, professor, journal editor and leader in medical organizations. He was instrumental in the formation of the University of Massachusetts Ob Gyn Department. He was a friendly man who enjoyed connecting with his colleagues and patients. Dr. Hunter was an Obstetrician in Worcester during the "baby boom". It wasn't unusual for him to have encounters with "his babies" as adults or grateful patients here in the city. He had an amazing memory and a great sense of humor.
Dr. Hunter was an active member in the following societies: Fellow of the American College of OB/Gyn, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, New England Cancer Society, New England OB/Gyn Society, American Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Boston Obstetrical Society, Worcester District Medical Society, New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Royal Society of Medicine, International Gynecologic Cancer Society, and American Society of Clinical Oncologists. He received awards from University of Massachusetts for Teaching, Outstanding Clinical Medical Educator, Excellence in teaching, and Establishment of the Richard E. Hunter Lecture. Richard edited or reviewed the following journals: International Correspondence Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Journal of OB/Gyn, Gynecologic Oncology, and was Examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Richard published numerous research papers and major presentations. His research has saved the lives of many women.
The life of Richard Hunter will be honored and celebrated this week.
Calling hours will be held on October 20th from 5-7pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden, MA. A funeral service will be held on October 21 at 10:00am at Worcester County Memorial Park with a reception 11:30am at Val's Restaurant, 75 Reservoir St., Holden, MA. Express condolences at MilesFuneralHome.com
The link below is the recording of the graveside service held for Dr. Richard Edward Hunter: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/R5PL2K5JP2FWK5TH