Services Held For Paul Allen Hunter, 91: 'He Will Be Missed More Than Words Can Express'

SOUTHOLD, NY — Paul Allen Hunter, beloved husband, grandfather, friend, teacher, and forever gardener, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was born on March 2, 1934, in Passaic, New Jersey, and even as a child, people were drawn to his warmth and good-natured spirit. He worked briefly as a child model and later served his country in the U.S. Army, an experience that shaped his strength, character, and lifelong sense of purpose.

After his service, he became a high school English teacher, where he inspired generations of students with his creativity, humor, and thoughtful presence. After many years in the classroom, he managed Preston's Gallery in Greenport, where his appreciation for art and community flourished. He eventually turned to landscaping, embracing his deep love for the outdoors and spending days working with the land he loved.

He was endlessly hands-on, always building, fixing, and creating. Woodworking was a constant part of his life, and he took pride in making things that were both useful and beautiful. He also wrote several insightful books about the Native American inhabitants of the East End of Long Island, preserving and honoring the history of the region he called home.

He was a proud longtime resident of the North Fork of Long Island, a place he never wanted to leave and often called one of the most beautiful places on earth. Just the day before he passed, he was out planting flowers, doing what he loved most.

His Catholic faith grounded him and brought him real joy. He lived with compassion, integrity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Jeanne Hunter; his children Dan Hunter (wife Elena Hunter), Claire Kennedy (husband Tom Kennedy), Andrew Hunter (wife Sharon Hunter), and Mary Jane Hunter (partner Matthew DeMello); and his grandchildren Arbor Pereida, Ian Toy, Aidan Toy, Alexander Kennedy, Oliver Hunter, and Christopher Hunter.

He lived a long, rich, and love-filled life. He had a gift for making things grow — gardens, ideas, friendships, and joy. Wherever he went, he left things better than he found them. He will be missed more than words can ever express.

A wake will be held on Monday, June 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, located at 51400 Route 25, Southold, NY.

A funeral mass will follow on Tuesday, June 24, at 9 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel SSPX, 900 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY.

Interment with U.S. Army honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend and help celebrate his beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to his wife Jeanne by clicking here, or planting something beautiful in Paul's memory.