Dr, Joseph Alfred Hunter, MD

August 12, 1937 - December 23, 2020

Tebbutt & Frederick Memorial Home Cohoes – Joseph A. Hunter, MD, 83, of Cohoes, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2020. Born in Cohoes, NY on August 12, 1937, he was the son of the late Alfred J. and Mary T. (nee: Looby) Hunter, and brother to the late Theresa Hunter. He received his primary education in Cohoes and was a graduate of LaSalle Institute. As a teenager, Joe was captain of a championship rifle team. He continued his education with a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and earned his medical doctorate from Tufts University. Later, Dr. Hunter earned his masters degree in Health Care Administration. On June 15, 1963, Dr. Hunter married Marian Taromino. He remained steadfastly dedicated to her until his time of death. Dr. Hunter served in the United States Navy in Vietnam, and in the Naval Hospital in Portsmith, NH as an Anesthesiologist. He also drove trucks for and played trombone for the National Guard. Following his Naval service, Dr. Hunter relocated to Natick, Mass, where he worked at the Leonard Morse Hospital until he received an offer for Chief Director of Anesthesiology at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY, retiring as Director of Anesthesiology. In 1995, Dr. Hunter worked for Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and was the first fee based medical physician. In 1999 he became the Medical Chief of MEPS, working for another 10 years, retiring in 2009. A diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology, Dr. Hunter was also a fellow of American College of Anesthesiology. Dr. and Mrs. Hunter were members of St. Monica Church in Johnsonville and were both involved in religious education. They were both founding members of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Dr. Hunter was a devout Catholic who lived according to the teachings of Matthew 5:30-40 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” He was a devoted father and grandfather; he will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Marian; his children, Elizabeth (Kevin) Madigan of Melrose, NY, Catherine (Michael) Gilhooly of Delanson, NY, John Hunter of Watervliet, Joanne Hunter of Watervliet and Michael (Jennifer) Hunter of Atlanta, GA; six grandsons, Andrew, Joseph and Richard Madigan, and Daniel, Benjamin and Thomas Hunter; several nieces, nephews, cousins; a host of friends and colleagues including his dear friend, Dr. Robert Fay. Funeral services and Mass of Christian burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Food For The Poor, P.O. Box 979005, Coconut Creek, FL 33097-9005.