Brian R Hunt's Obituary
Brian R. Hunt, 72, of Ellenton, FL passed away at Manatee Memorial Hospital on Sunday January 21st, 2024, after an illness. He was born on December 17, 1951, to Stanley and Geraldine (Chamberlain) Hunt in Worcester, MA. After Brian graduated from Doherty High School, he went on to study engineering at Worcester Junior College and Central New England College of Technology. In 1976, Brian met his beloved wife, Diane Cantillon. They were married in 1978, went on to have 2 daughters and enjoyed 45 years together. He worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved. Brian was employed by several area companies before accepting a position at David Clark Company as a CNC Process Control Programmer (contrary to what he told his daughters, he was not a “toilet paper roller”!). He worked there for 24 years before retiring in 2012. Brian spent most of his life in Worcester, moving to Auburn, MA for a short time before relocating to Florida with his family in 2018.
Brian enjoyed gardening and working outdoors, bird watching, fish keeping, tinkering in the garage, and “repurposing”. He will be remembered fondly for his love of food, music, his family, and God. He never had a meal he didn’t like and always came back for seconds! On many Sunday mornings his girls would find him sprawled out on the living room floor with the newspaper, while the Beatles played on his stereo. In the last few years, he spent a lot of time reading, especially novels by his favorite author, David Balducci. Brian adored his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He always made sure they knew how proud he was of them. A grandpa of 4, he would frequently be found sporting various “Papa” t-shirts. Brian had a goofy sense of humor and was always kind and friendly, taking the time to get to know his colleagues, neighbors, and mail carriers! He was also stubborn and strong-willed, which helped him overcome heath challenges from the time he was a teenager.
Brian leaves behind his wife, Diane; daughters: Michelle (Eric) Flaherty and Tiffany Hunt-Case (fiancé, Wayne); grandchildren: Ayla, Brady & Vaeda Flaherty; siblings: Fredrick (Mary) Hunt and Sandra (Bruce) Neff; as well as many extended family members and friends. He was preceded to Heaven by his parents, brother Richard, cherished grandson Tyler Mcgrath-Flaherty, and his golden retriever Molly.
Everyone he left behind is heartbroken that he is gone. We know he is now free from pain and physical limitations. We will always love and miss you, until we are together again.
A Funeral Mass for Brian will be held on Friday, February 16th at 10am at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 12905 State Road 70 E, Lakewood Ranch. A reception will follow, details will be provided by family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Brian's Memory to the Humane Society of Manatee County or organization of your choice.
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