BOXFORD – Mr. David Michael Hunter, 80 of Boxford, loving husband of the late Terese "Terri" P. (McGinn) Hunter, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage, passed away unexpectedly on December 12th, 2024 at Beverly Hospital.

Born in Malden, MA, David was the second of five children of the late Harry Lawrence and Helen Geraldine (Sullivan) Hunter. He was raised and educated in both West Roxbury and Natick, MA, and graduated from Natick High School in 1962. A strong-willed, competitive and determined young man, David developed a great work ethic and mental tenacity that would serve him well in his future endeavors. During those early years, after school and in the neighborhood, he spent countless hours playing baseball and other sports, and developed a lifelong love for the Red Sox and other Boston teams, cherishing the games and the fan comradery.

After graduating from Natick High School, David furthered his education, earning his Bachelor's degree from Boston College in 1966 and his Master's Degree from Columbia University in 1968.

David proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was honorably discharged from the military in 1971. While on leave for Christmas in 1968, he made a decision that would forever change his life: one of his close friends from basic training convinced him to go on a blind date with that friend's cousin, Terri McGinn. While neither David nor Terri expected it, the two of them made a connection that night that would lead to five decades of happy marriage.

David's lengthy professional career was one of which he was extremely proud and saw him rise from accountant to senior executive, treasurer and chief financial officer.  Early in his career he worked for a number of companies including Exxon Corporation; Ernst & Ernst; Keydata Corporation; Polaroid Corporation; and Shear Development Corporation.

In 1981, David joined the start-up company IBT Corporation with three other founders, a company that would eventually transition into Micrion Corporation. He would spend 16 years with Micrion, helping to successfully take the company public in 1995 and, in 1999, working through the company's acquisition by FEI Corporation.  He went on to join NeoGenesis Corporation in Cambridge, MA where he worked until 2005 when he left with intentions to retire, but soon was talked into joining ALIS Corporation with some of his former Micrion co-workers. That company was acquired by a German company (Zeiss) in 2006 and he officially retired.

Those who knew David best not only experienced his intelligence, trustworthiness, and humility, but also his goofy sense of humor, willingness to try new things, and his total devotion to family and friends. Despite his more sensible nature, he wouldn't hesitate to get down on the floor to play with his two kids when they were young, was known to tell a silly tall tale or two that would enthrall his grandkids, and was almost always game for an adventurous outing or getting in on a friendly practical joke. David treasured his siblings and always looked forward to the birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations that brought them together over long distances. He had a true sparkle in his eye when it came to his loving wife, Terri. The two of them created a warm and welcoming household where their children and friends loved to be. Over their many years together, David and Terri were inseparable, enjoying each other's company and cherishing their travels domestically and abroad, including time regularly spent with family and friends in New Hampshire and Florida. In his retirement, David mastered his favorite job of all: being Papa to his grandkids. He was a regular on the sidelines for his grandkids' many sports games, looked forward to their frequent visits, calls, and text messages, and he always made sure they knew how much he loved them. A true gentleman, David will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his kind and loving heart. He will be deeply missed.

David is survived by his two children; Elizabeth Hunter Mills and her husband, Jeffrey of Boxford and David Patrick Hunter and his wife, Florence Clutch of Cold Spring, NY; 6 beloved grandchildren; siblings, Harry "Bud" Hunter of Tomball, TX; Paula Hunter of Santa Rosa, CA; JoeAnne Yednock of Topanga, CA; Robert "Bob" Hunter of Bolinas, CA; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his wife, Terri Hunter and their beloved infant daughter, Meaghan Hunter.

ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of life will be held for David at O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple Street, (rte 62) Danvers, MA 01923 on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, from 10am - 12:00pm.  Relatives and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be made to:

BTA/BOLT (Boxford Trails Association/Boxford Open Land Trust) : https://www.btabolt.org/donate

Trustees of Reservations : https://thetrustees.org/

The Red Sox Foundation : https://www.redsoxfoundation.org/