Obituary of Michael A. Hunt

On Friday, September 24, 2021, the world lost the beloved... Michael A. Hunt, Sr. age 81 of Milford, Pennsylvania and Melbourne Beach, Florida. He passed along with his lifetime best friend, Richard “Dick” Kowal, while doing something they loved...fishing their treasured Situk River, in Yakutat, Alaska. Michael, who was best known as “Mickey”, was born on April 8, 1940, in Blauvelt, New York, the son of the late Michael Yurch and Charlotte Eckert Hunt. Mickey was a generous man who not only earned his own success, but, fostered and kick started many success stories for others, offering advice and resources to promote successful careers and businesses. He was a genuine and powerful mentor, whose kindness was immeasureable and a smile that would light up a room. He was a natural entrepreneur & developer, whose legendary work ethic began at an early age while working for Eckert & King Gas Station in Port Jervis, NY and his Grandfather’s Ice House, in Sparrowbush, NY. He graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1957 and, without a moment to spare, began to perfect his craft, as a self- employed mason contractor. He rapidly progressed into General Contracting, became a partner with Richard “Dick” Kowal, and together, they embarked upon decades of building and development, based upon hard work, quality and cultivating relationships. Later, his son, Michael, Jr. joined the team, helping to build, own & operate various businesses, including hotels in Matamoras, PA and Weirton, WV. Mickey continued to remain active in real estate development. Mickey loved the great outdoors and continued his childhood passion of fishing & hunting, throughout his lifetime. This would ultimately lead to him and Dick establishing a home away from home in a cabin in Yakutat, where they would invite family and guests for unbelievable fishing trips and memories that will last for lifetimes. Mickey married the love of his life, Ann Koenderman on August 23, 1980, who survives, at home. He was a dedicated husband, who wanted nothing but happiness for her. Ann’s love for him kept her right by his side, helping on construction projects, building their own home, operating the Hotel Gift Shop and nurturing their awe inspiring love. He was also a devoted Father and Grandfather, who proved his love for his family every day. Also, Mickey and Ann loved to take their children and grandchildren on memorable annual family reunion trips to Walt Disney World. He is survived by his son, Michael Hunt, Jr. and his wife, Lisa of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, his two daughters, Michele Schellinger of Deptford, New Jersey and Melissa Schultz of The Villas, New Jersey, his sister Patricia Morgan of Bethlehem, PA, his beloved six grandchildren, Bryan Hunt and his wife Ashley, Joseph Hunt, Dana Hunt, Nicole Nefosky and her husband Benjamin, Casey Schellinger and her fiancé Mitchell Simmer and Viktoria Schultz, nephew Kyle Aschoff and nieces Kimberly Aschoff , Kelly Murphy, Coral Hunt and several cousins. Mickey is also survived by his “second family”, Richard Kowal’s wife Geraldine and their sons Richard Kowal, Jr. and Chad Kowal and their families. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Edward Hunt and his brother-in-law, William Morgan. Visitation will be held Tuesday October 5th from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home located at 154 E Main Street Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 6th at 11:00 am at Knight- Auchmoody Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial Contributions be made to the Yakutat Department of Public Safety, PO Box 110, Yakutat, Alaska, 99689 or Project Self- Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street, Newton, NJ 07860. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight- auchmoody.com.