Robert A. Hunkins

We are saddened to announce the passing of Robert A. Hunkins, 88, of Eagle Bay and Cooperstown, New York, who was formerly of Carthage, NY. He passed peacefully on July 10, 2025, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Born on October 10, 1936, in New Bremen, NY, Bob was the son of Russell and Frances (LaChausse) Hunkins. He graduated from West Carthage High School in 1954 and worked on the family farm until 1955. On March 26, 1955, he married Mary Lou Chisamore, and they shared nearly 48 years of marriage until her passing on March 23, 2003.

On August 19, 2006, Bob remarried Sandra Tabor of Cooperstown, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Gary Hunkins, John Hunkins, Susan (Al) Hayford, Jr., and her children, and Karen (William) LaRock and her family; and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Robert "Bud" (Robin) Tabor and his daughter; and Carol (Robbie) McGovern, and her daughters. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many friends.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Throughout his life, Bob pursued a variety of endeavors. He purchased a canned milk route, worked at St. Regis Paper Mill in Deferiet and Crown Zellerbeck Paper Mill, and owned and operated farms in Copenhagen, including the Graves Farm in Carthage, and finally in Lacona. Later, he was employed by General Crushed Stone and Dale Heroux after purchasing his beloved camp on 4th Lake in Eagle Bay in 1979.

Bob was an active member of his community. He was a past member of DHIA and served as President of its County Board, an informal member of the Young Farmers Group, a member of Lowville Valley Rounds, several modern western square dance clubs, and the Cooperstown Doubleday Dancers Square Dance club. At the time of his passing, he was a current member of the Westville Grange #540, Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club, and Inlet Community Church.

He deeply loved the Lord, his home on 4th Lake, and cherished his family. He enjoyed all four seasons, especially summer boating and water skiing, until he was 80 years old. He was also an avid snowmobiler and trail groomer in the winter months.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm at the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., located at 500 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619.

Calling Hours will also be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Inlet Community Church located at 12 S. Shore Rd. Inlet, NY 13360. A Funeral Service will follow at the church and be held at noon. The burial will take place in the Hillside Cemetery in West Carthage, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to Inlet Community Church, P.O. Box 568, Inlet, NY, 13360, Hillside Cemetery, P.O. Box 252, Carthage, NY 13619, Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., located at 500 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences in his memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com