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Russell Hunt Obituary

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Russell Hunt

Milford, CT

July 23, 1918 - September 27, 2010

Russell Hunt Obituary

Russell William “Bill” Hunt, born July 23rd, 1918, passed away on Monday, September 27th, 2010 at the VA Hospital in West Haven. He was the eldest of four children born to Gladys Merwin Hunt and Ward Chester Hunt of Milford. He was an 11th generation descendant of Miles Merwin (1623-1697), an original founder of the settlement that is now Milford. At the age of 23 he enlisted in the United States Army, and soon became a Sergeant of Company D, 1st Ranger Battalion. He was awarded a military commendation for his heroic efforts: “On July 12, 1943, near Gela, Sicily, Sergeant Hunt’s section became separated from the rest of his company, and was in danger of being annihilated by heavy cross fire. Sergeant Hunt coolly collected his men in the safest place he could find. His courage and initiative under heavy enemy fire prevented casualties among his men.” In another endeavor in Italy, he was wounded by hand grenade shrapnel to the chest, and was awarded the Purple Heart. Two siblings, Phyllis Trowbridge and Paul Hunt, and three children, Christine Hunt, K.C. Smigay, and Jeffrey Hunt predecease him. Surviving family members are his wife of 62 years, Justine R. Hunt, his brother, Ward C. Hunt, his three sons, Matthew Paul and Timothy John of Milford, CT and Russell William of Greensboro, NC, two daughters, Susan Oravetz and April Hunt, eleven grand children, three great-grand children, fourteen nieces and ten nephews. During his mid-20’s, he travelled to California with good friends George Birks and Peter Kennedy in a 1936 Ford Phaeton with $100.00 in their pockets. He worked as a rigger for The Milford Building Movers for 30 years. During the mid-1950 and early 1960’s the company was responsible for moving homes during the construction of the CT interstate highway system. He was respected by his coworkers for his steady leadership and strong work ethic. He was a member of the Woodmont Volunteer Fire Department, Company 5 for 60 years, and a Woodmont B. For 62 years he lived in the home that he built for his family in 1948. As he raised his family, he also raised a small farm of animals. He was a Master Gardener who shared his home grown fruits and vegetables with family, friends and neighbors. During his retirement years, he enjoyed basket weaving, bee keeping, and bird watching and arborist studies with The Milford Trees, Inc. Bill Hunt was dutiful to country, community, friends and family. His kind demeanor and folksy humor were soothing to those who knew him as strong yet gentle, hard working yet humble. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Milford Trees, Inc. 28 South Street, Milford, CT 06460. Calling hours are Friday, October 1, 2010 from 4 to 8pm at the Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 2nd at the First United Church of Christ, Congregational, 34 West Main St., Milford at 9am. Interment will follow in Milford Cemetery.

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Russell Hunt.