Alson P. Hunter

Alson Perry Hunter, 93, passed away very peacefully Sunday, July 12, 2020 at home surrounded by his wife and loving family. We wish with all of our hearts that we could celebrate Al in the traditional honor he deserves. Our hearts ache because of the covid-19 limitations that we cannot. Our choice would be to have each and everyone who knew him or his family to be able to pay your respects and be with us. Please know that the "immediate family only" limitation is not our choice and we long for the day we can see you and talk about him with you.

Al was the most devoted husband to his wife Maureen of 64 years. To know Al was to know how much he loved her. Over the past many years Maureeen cared for and devoted her every hour of her day tending to him. His appreciation of her caregiving was often told to his family and friends. The love and devotion they shared was an example for us all, teaching us that marriage vows are truly a gift to abide by. He and Maureen had an amazing life of traveling together for years and years. They loved their snowbirding time in Florida for 29 years. They toured the United States by car or RV from NY to California 5 times. They loved seeing the great land that he defended and how it changed over those years.

Al was a proud WWII Navy Veteran serving in the South Pacific on the LST-220 at Guadalcanal. He rarely would talk about his service time and just began to share some memories of this part of his life after having been a guest on the Patriot Flight to the war memorials in Washington DC, this past September. That was a trip he loved and beamed from it whenever he talked about it. It opened his past to a new level of acceptance in the honor he deserved in serving. We cannot thank the Patriot Flight enough for that.

He grew up in Lansingburgh, NY and loved to tell stories of his and his buddies' antics with cars on Oil Mill Hill. His laughter when telling them was contagious to anyone listening and we loved listening. He became an avid roller skater at Guptills. He could skate zig-zag, backwards, sideways and even jumping over Maureen while they were both skating! He loved going there even when he was a grandpa still and could out skate anyone there. His little legs were faster than others and it showed when he would jitterbug with Maureen.

He loved racing stock cars and go-karts which awarded him many trophies for his winning races. Al had a love for driving, fast. He took this love and learned to drive all kinds of vehicles and even machinery. If it had wheels and could be steered he could drive or operate it. From Hess fuel trucks, tour buses, tractor trailers, with a special joy for motorcycles and snowmobiles.

His driving expertise brought him to being a limo chauffeur even owning his own business. He was always a gentleman which his limo customers adored his chilivery. He was always taking people to NYC, the airports, proms and weddings. He loved taking care of them and making sure they had the best, safest ride ever. His most prestigious (minus his grandchildren's proms) was the wedding of Governor Mario Cuomo's daughter. Al was involved in politics as a leader for many years. He was influential wherever he chose to go.

He was the youngest of 9 yet the protector of them all as he grew into a law enforcer. Al took pride in helping his family and friends in any way he could. He was known for "fixing tickets", getting family out of "situations" and always came to the rescue when anyone called on him. Needless to say he was a busy man. Al started his law enforcing career in Cohoes as a motorcycle cop and over the years had many positions in many places.Menands police force, Chief of Police in Greenwich, Sargent on Rensselaer County Sheriff, and retiring as Detective on Albany County Sheriff.

He was a man of energy and abilities. A true example of "the best generation."

Al has a legacy he has blessed this world with. He was the father of 6, grandfather of 10, great grandfather of 19 and great great grandfather of 3 with 1 little girl on the way in November.

He is survived by his children Alicia (Dave) McKinney, Dan (Mimi) Hunter, Debbie (Ken) Harting, Darcy (Dale) Lezatte and sadly predeceased by his sons Al Jr. and Scott Hunter.

His grandchildren are Tammy (Phil) Russo, Jenn McKinney, Dan (Lisa) Hunter, Peter Hunter, Tenniel (Dan) Hansen, Tiffany (Jonathan) Messenger, Tabitha Harting, Sara (JJ) Reilly, Cory (Ashley) Chrysogelos. Tragically predeceased by his grandson Mark McKinney

His great grandchildren are Katie Kilduff-McKinney, Danielle, Gabrielle, Luke LeBlanc, Elena Elliot, Noah and Shelby Hunter, Noah, Aryonna, Maddie Hansen, Lexi Bordeau, Noelle, Dawson, Kaidence, Keatyn and Beau Messinger, Bailey, Lily and Harlo Reilly.

His great great grandchildren are Damien and Jason Bentley, Sophia VonFricken and Baby girl Hansen due in November.

Al was loved and survived by his in-law family, John Donlon, Lyn Donlon, Shirley Bessette, Nanci & Russ D'Amico, Bill and Karen Donlon, Sheila & Skip Williams.

He has many nieces and nephews who he loved and loved him back.