Stewart Hunkler, 100

FLORIDA, Mass. —  Stewart Hunkler, 100, passed on to his next adventure just before dawn on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in time for opening day of his 100th deer season.

Born in February 1924 to Clifford and Mildred (Hathaway) Hunkler, Stewart, the second of eight children, grew up on Florida Mountain and remained there until his last day.

He married Mildred Burdick in 1947, and they had four children, Walter (Karen) of Pittsfield, Colleen (Glenn Hynick) of Sandgate, Vt., Jana (David Carli) of North Adams and Kaylyn of Adams. Along with three grandchildren, Annette Hunkler and Stewart Hunkler of Pittsfield and Matilda Woodside of North Adams, Stewart had several great- and great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

When Stewart was just 17, and the U.S. had entered WWII, he joined the Army Air Corps, serving in the 758th Bomb Squadron, 459th Bomb Group as a B-24 flight engineer, mechanic and top turret gunner. In June of 1944, on his 40th mission, Stewart's plane was shot down over enemy territory (for the second time), and he became a German prisoner of war until his liberation 11 months later. Although he received many offers to continue to fly after being discharged, all he wanted was to "return to his mountain" and live out his life in the place he loved.

Stewart began his career with the Town of Florida road crew then owned and operated the Florida Texaco station with his wife Millie for many years. He retired as a Park Ranger for the State of Massachusetts and spent the next 35-plus years pursuing his many hobbies. After retirement, Stewart operated his own small sawmill, walked his woods every day, and spent the new "workday" in his shop, fixing, modifying, welding and creating.

An avid sportsman, Stewart caught a 700-pound tuna off the coast of Gloucester, shot his first moose when he was 80 and his last 8-point buck at 95.

A man of few words and dry wit, he carried a quiet strength. Stewart was the go-to guy, helping many townsfolk with their cars and equipment, and handling many arduous tasks for neighbors in trouble. He was our rock.

He leaves us with the knowledge that superheroes really do exist, that you do the right thing and if it is hard or seems impossible, you find a way to do it anyway. The greatest gift he left for his family and friends was to bear witness to his ability to maintain his internal peace. He did this in nature, walking his woods, listening, watching his trees grow and checking on the wildlife that roamed there.

If you choose to honor his memory, do so by finding your own internal peace and following it. Go fishing, buy that camp, go to the beach or learn to cook, whatever settles your soul, pursue it and stay true. And always save room for a slice of pie! This is a tall order, if you prefer a monetary donation, contributions in his name may be made to Capital District Patriot Flight Inc. or the Florida Volunteer Fire Department.

Stewart's family invites the community to a gathering to share memories, fellowship, coffee and doughnuts at the Florida Community Center on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.