Peter Hunton

Peter "Pete" Hunton of Vestavia passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 16th, 2024, just 21 days shy of his 92nd birthday.

An adoring Grampie, loving father, and devoted husband, he will be deeply missed and remain in our hearts forever. 

Pete was predeceased by his parents, Harold Morris, and Madelyn (Hanlon) Hunton, his beloved wife of 48 years and mother of his four children Marilyn Jean Hunton, and his brother Harold Thomas Hunton. 

He is survived by his devoted wife Susan (Manley) Hunton, children Colleen Cotter (Clement), Kerry Hunton, Shawn Hunton (Valerie), Kevin Hunton (Kimberly), and his grandchildren Kathryn, Hannah Jean, Jack, Mary Hanlon, Peter, Will and Hal as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. 

Born in Hempstead, New York, the economic effects of the Great Depression required the family to move to Brooklyn, NY to live with Madelyn's mother Julia (Hanlon) Hunton. At the tender age of 7, Pete's father died suddenly leaving his stern, yet fair mother to raise him and his 13-year older brother Hal. 

After graduating from St. Augustine's Catholic High School in 1950, with the help of a diocesan scholarship, he attended the New York Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler from 1950 to 1954 where he excelled. Pete earned a degree in Maritime Engineering and was quickly promoted to the commission rank of Ensign. During his time at the Academy, they boarded the TS Empire State, a donated decommissioned WWII attack supply ship completing voyages to Spain, France, and Venice Italy. 

Displaying unique skills, after graduation, Pete received an invitation to join the US Navy. Quickly promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. He worked at the historic Fore River Shipyard in Quincy MA under the direction of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, quietly helping to develop the first nuclear power surface warship. 

After a 2-year stint in the Navy, Pete went to work for naval shipyard contractor General Dynamics. As fate would have it, a young lady working for General Dynamics caught his eye and in 1957 Marilyn and Pete were married. 

Pete and Marilyn raised their four children in Weymouth, MA. Devote Catholics, they attended St. Jerome's and then the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. For years Pete coached YMCA basketball. Not only did he love the game, but he also loved "his" players. Pete was also an avid golfer, taking immense joy in playing 9 or 18 holes with his sons, nephews, friends, and brother Hal on occasion. Typically, the better golfer, Pete always insisted on placing a "little wager" on the game, knowing perfectly well that he would be on the receiving end of a cold drink or dollar bill at the end of play.  

Naval Shipyard politics along with a mid-1970s decline in the economy forced Pete to move his family south to Birmingham. Using his maritime engineering and ship-building knowledge and skills, Pete embarked upon a career as a large-scale industrial mechanical engineer, completing his career at age 87 after a long-term employment with AHR Metals in Bessemer. 

Pete was a long-term loyal and faithful member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Supporting and attending weekly, he also participated in church-related activities from parking lot striping to social events. 

After the passing of his wife Marilyn in 2005, Pete married Susan Manley in 2008. Sue is also a faithful St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church member and a fellow New Yorker. On many occasions, Pete's children have been heard saying "Thank God for Sue"! 

One only needed to know Pete for a short time to understand his staunch, determined personality which likely reflected that of distant relatives who also embarked upon a "maritime life adventure" on a ship named the Mayflower.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We are grateful for family and friends at this time of sorrow.

Services will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, with Visitation from 11:00 to 12:00 followed by a celebratory memorial mass at noon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Pete's memory to one of his favorite charities: 
 
Maritime College Alumni Assoc. here
in the notes section, please designate the SST Scholarship Fund 
Or by mailing a check to 
Attn: Steve Carbery ' 80
6 Pennyfield Ave.
Bronx, NY 10465 
 
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church here
2061 Patton Chapel Road
Hoover, AL 35216