Edward Hunt

Edward Howard Hunt, 79 years of age passed away at his home in Housatonic MA on April 26 ^th , 2022. Ed was born January 19, 1943 in Boston, MA and grew up in Cohasset, MA, son of John E Hunt and Ruther Enders Hunt. He graduated from Berkshire School in 1961 and attended Tufts University from 1961-1965 . Ed received his master’s degree in history from Wesleyan University in 1970. As a student at Berkshire, Ed was an 8-letter varsity athlete in football, hockey, and baseball. He was an active singer and community minded student, recognized with distinction for citizenry upon his graduation.A career educator at Berkshire School, few can say they spent their entire 42-year career at one institution.  Ed returned to Berkshire as a teacher in 1965 where he remained until his retirement in 2005. He wore many hats during his career, but his most important and favorite place, was always the classroom – where he actively applied his thirst for knowledge and all things history. His love for athletics was always visible, as a coach of countless sports and athletic director for 13 years of his tenure. Ed was known to say, “teaching is my vocation-athletics is my avocation.”  While he loved all teams that he coached, he was particularly proud to have been part of 3 undefeated football seasons, one as head coach and two as an assistant.Per head of School Peter Mulder’s address to the Berkshire community in a letter earlier this week “Ed Hunt indeed epitomized the faculty who are at the heart of every student's experience under the Mountain—and his presence will live on in the memories of his students, classmates, colleagues, and friends.”On June 15 ^th , 1974, he married Frances Marie Tryon at St. James Episcopal Church in Great Barrington, MA, a loving union shared for 47 years.

Ed was caring by nature and carried himself with a quiet confidence. He had a spirit for life that was never too bright nor too dull.  Devoted to everything he touched such as school, career, family, and Christ.

Upon his Berkshire retirement, Ed focused on his many hobbies, true to his renaissance man lifestyle. He soon found himself employed part time at the Mason Library in Great Barrington. He became a favorite amongst peers and a fixture amongst patrons – with a friendly smile and helping hand. His hours, albeit part-time, were a constant in his weekly routine. Ed’s library post satisfied his thirst for knowledge and was a vehicle to share his love for reading with others.

He sang passionately with his church choir at Christ Church Episcopal in Sheffield and with the local barbershop group, The Housatonics. He was an enthusiastic and strong baritone – applying his energy toward every note and singing his part to the fullest. Ed has passed along his love to perform music to his children and now, his grandchildren.

Ed was an avid golfer and longtime member at Wyantenuck Country Club in Great Barrington. Ed has the distinction of recording two hole in ones during his lifetime.

Ed lived with Parkinson’s Disease for nearly the past 15 years of his life.  While this disease slowed his pace no would ever hear the slightest complaint from him.

Ed’s distinguished professional career was surpassed only by his dedication to his family as a loving father and devoted husband. He lived to enjoy the moments with his family, which has grown over the past six years to include three grandchildren.

Ed would not ask to be remembered with pomp or circumstance. Instead, he would allow for those around him to speak on his behalf.  In particular, he molded the lives of countless students, teachers, and community members throughout his life at Berkshire School and residence in Southern Berkshire County.  He modeled integrity loyalty, passion, and dedication to helping others.

He leaves behind his family and a community in a better place than he found it.  Ed is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Fran, of Housatonic MA, his sons and their spouses, Bradley and Lauren Hunt (Salem, MA) and Thomas and Julie Hunt (Ballston Spa, NY) and his three grandchildren, Lincoln Kellogg, Eveline Harper, and Andrew Phillips; brother John Phillips Hunt (Raleigh, NC), his niece Allison Hunt (Knoxville, NC), sister-in-law Anne Andrews (Great Barrington, MA) and brother-in-law John Tryon and family (Montgomery, TX.)

Relatives, colleagues, and friends are invited to attend the calling hours on Monday May 2 ^nd 4-7 PM at Finnerty & Stevens in Great Barrington MA.  A funeral service with Christian burial will take place at 10 AM Tuesday May 3 ^rd at Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be considered for the following organizations:

The Michael J Fox Foundation for Research

The Mason Library of Great Barrington, MA

The Berkshire School