10/28/2024
Robert E. Hunter, Jr.
Age 81 of Cherry Hill, NJ
On Oct. 26, 2024, formerly of Haddonfield, NJ; beloved husband of the late Bernadette (nee McLaughlin); devoted father of Robert E. Hunter, III (Genevieve) of Haddonfield and Elizabeth Sobus (Micah) of Cherry Hill; adoring “Poppy” of Hunter & Annie Sobus and Maeve, Bernard & Lucille Hunter; treasured brother of Ruth Matthews (Fred) and brother-in-law of James McLaughlin (Jeanne). Also survived by nieces and nephews he enjoyed immensely, and his dear friend Eileen Vogel.
Born in Camden to Robert and Ruth Hunter, Bob was raised in Haddonfield, graduating from Haddonfield Memorial High School in the Class of 1961. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Roanoke College, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served in Long Binh, Vietnam from 1969-1970. Bob never met a stranger, which helped him build a long career as a sales executive in the automotive industry through his retirement in the early 2010s.
Bob spent a considerable amount of his time and energy in service to his communities. In his younger years, he was a lieutenant on the Avalon Beach Patrol for over a decade, where many of his best stories originated. He was a longtime volunteer member and former President of Haddon Fire Co. #1, where his volumes of narratives only grew. A proud veteran, he connected with various military causes through his memberships with American Legion Post 38 and VFW Post 3620.
As anyone who knew Bob would attest, his biggest source of pride and entertainment in life came through his family. After marrying in between football games on Thanksgiving Day 1974, Bob and Bernadette settled in Haddonfield and welcomed Bob and Beth. He happily supported his family in all that they did – chaperoning school camping trips with Bernadette and coaching the kids’ soccer and baseball teams - he jumped in willingly whenever anyone needed a hand. Most importantly, he never missed a game Bob and Beth were in – he truly loved to watch them play.
The only thing he loved more than fatherhood was being a grandfather. Bob loved being “Poppy” to Hunter, Annie, Maeve, Ben and Lucy. He got a huge kick out of them, and loved discovering their personalities and finding the qualities he admired. They kept him going after the loss of Bernadette in 2015. Poppy’s kind and helpful spirit will live on through his kids and grandkids.
In addition to his family, Bob enjoyed spending his summers in Avalon, reading, watching any war documentary, “resting his eyes,” and being disappointed by Philadelphia sports teams.
Bob’s family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, Nov. 1st, from 10-11:15 AM, at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield, NJ; where his Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 AM. Interment, private. If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to Haddon Fire Co. #1, P.O. Box 345, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, in honor of Bob’s many years with them as a volunteer firefighter. (https://haddonfirecompany.org/make-a-donation/)