Thomas J. Hunt

Thomas J. Hunt

September 14, 1943- April 23, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Joseph Hunt at the age of 82. Tom was born on September 14, 1943 to Harry and Harriet (McIntyre) Hunt in Nyack, New York, both of whom predeceased him. He was a lifelong Garnerville resident.

Tom retired from NYS Parks and Recreation with 50 years of service in 2010. His career began at Bear Mountain and then he spent the remainder at Rockland Lake State Park as an Automotive Fleet Supervisor. Cars were Tom’s passion. He began tinkering and fixing cars at a young age with his father and continued throughout his life. His most cherished possession was his 1967 Barracuda that he purchased brand new and had restored after his retirement.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter of both deer and wild turkey well into his late 70’s when he was no longer physically able to do it. He loved to hike and could most likely be found hiking the trail at HiTor. He loved all animals and birds and had a special fondness for cats. He always fed the strays of the neighborhood and leaves behind his beloved indoor cat Elvis.

Tom was a proud Vietnam Veteran and alumni of SUNY Morrisville.

Tom was a devoted friend to so many. He was a good neighbor and in turn had neighbors who were so wonderful to him. He was funny and kind and always a gentleman. He was an avid reader, hated computers, cell phones and TV, only giving in to watch the news in later years. He loved politics and history of both the US and the world. He was extremely smart and knew at least something about almost everything, he often scored #1 or at least in the top 3 in the State on NYS Civil Service exams.

Tom was a Member of the Woodbury Field and Stream Club in Highland Mills for decades, was also actively involved with the local Democratic Party for many years and was a Board Member for the Thiells Garnerville United Methodist Church on Bridge St in Garnerville until its closing.

Family was everything to Tom. He never ever missed a family gathering. No matter what it was, he could be counted on to be there. Although Tom was an only child and never married or had children of his own, he was very close to his first cousins Alfred (Al) Hunt and Maefield (Mae) Farris (nee Hunt), both who predeceased him in 2018 and 2020 respectively.

He was extremely close to Mae’s children, Holly Farris-Gokey (Robert) and Melissa Farris; grandchildren, JP Lawless (Alexandra), Erin Gokey, Morgan Gokey, Sean Gokey and Justin Farris and great-grandchildren, Rowan and John III who all affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Tommy”. He spent every holiday and family event with them for over 40 years, never ever missing one that can be remembered. He considered them like his own children and grandchildren, he was so proud of each and every one of them, loved them all fiercely and they loved him just as much. His passing has left a generational trail of broken hearts.

He was lucky enough to have wonderful caregivers in his last years. Isabel, Nino, Edith and CeCe became like family to him. The VA and Hospice took great care of him and collectively made fighting Parkinson’s much more bearable for him.

Viewing for Tom will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 from 3-8pm at T. J. McGowan Sons funeral home 71 N. Central Highway Garnerville, NY 10923. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00am at Thiells Garnerville United Methodist Church, 102 Rosman Rd, Thiells NY 10984 with graveside services to follow at Mt. Repose Cemetery, Haverstraw.

To send flowers, please visit Bassett Flowers at www.bassettflowers.com or call

845-634-3638 .