Philip G. Hunter

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Phil Hunter, our beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, after a years-long struggle with dementia. Phil passed with his wife Sue by his side at The Lakes of Sylvania on February 6, 2025.

Philip Gerard Hunter was born on August 22, 1946, the eldest of 13 children born to John “Ray” and Mary (Sutter) Hunter. He was a lifelong Toledo resident, growing up in the Old West End on Glenwood Ave. He attended Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic School and St. Meinrad Seminary, before graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1964. After a stint at the University of Toledo, he and friends drove/hitchhiked west to explore Alaska and Hawaii. His draft letter “miraculously” found its way to paradise… Army obligations at Fort Huachuca (AZ) and Fort Hood (TX) would soon follow. Upon his return home, he married his sweetheart Sue Heinl in 1969, eventually settling on fabled Prairie Drive. Phil spent the majority of his parenting years working alongside his Aflac family and as a loyal St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns parishioner, volunteer, coach, athletic director, and “on and on”. 

Blessed with an insatiable linguistic curiosity and a voracious appetite for reading, he devoured words in any form—whether expertly wielded or wildly misplaced—finding joy in every malapropism, misnomer, and turn of phrase. “Phil-isms” were synonymous with his fast and free delivery. He was on the giving and receiving end of countless endearing monikers: Uncle Slick, Flip, Philly, Pops, Bampa, Grandpa, and most especially Dad.

Phil lived his best years full-tilt boogie. He had a good measure of mischief in him, but no trace of guile. He wore his God-given graces and challenges with humility and always tried to stay close to God. An avid outdoorsman and athlete throughout, he preferred a Maumee River bank walk to the constraints and mindless paraphernalia awaiting inside. He enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, golfing, shooting hoops, & ice skating. His love of the Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers, or any song he could belt out of the car window, coffee in hand, all while knee-driving was well known. 

Phil could shuck and jive with the best of them; his zest for life shining through in every well-timed kiss, pinch, or love-tap. With a sharp wit and a love for kibitzing, he never met a stranger. Though he had little patience for any “piece of work” prone to horse hockey, “fonky” windows, or cups too close to a table's edge, he always made time for those he loved. Fun and Phil were part and parcel. His infectious smile, distinct laughter, and immense love of life left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Phil exemplified Christ’s words to “Feed the hungry,” “Love sincerely,” and “Put away anger” in his daily life. He was a wonderful father to his four children—Marc, Gregory, Derek, and Jennifer—and an even more adoring grandfather to his eight grandchildren. He was always up for an adventure and was known to pack the car at a moment’s notice for St. Augustine, Florida, or to his beloved Otsego Lake in Gaylord, Michigan; much of his childhood was spent on Arbutus Beach with his many siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

As Phil battled dementia these last eight years, those who loved him endured the “Long Goodbye.” It was a difficult journey, but also one filled with love, laughter, and moments of grace. His beloved Susie was his rock, caring for him with unwavering devotion. To watch her care for him was to witness a love story in action—one that, despite its challenges, remained “primo”.

In addition to his parents, Phil was also preceded in death by his brother John Hunter, his sister Grace Hunter, and his beloved son, Marc Hunter. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Marie (Heinl) Hunter; children, Derek (Danielle) Hunter, Gregory (Yeona) Hunter, and Jennifer (Sean) Tracey; eight loving “tweets,” Declan, Anna, Evan, Isabel, Tess, Simon, Shae, and Tressa; siblings, Chris (Mary) Hunter, Marty (Jane) Hunter, Liz (the late Marty) Dumas, Annette (Dennis) Lee, Tom (Kim) Hunter, Kevin (Kathy) Hunter, Nancy (Larry) Bauer, Paul (Pam) Hunter, Donna Hunter Hall, and Maria "Beanie" (Jeff) Denning; his sisters-in-law, Carol Hunter, Jeri (the late Ray) Kozak, Judy & Steve Riley, and the late Denny & Darlene Heinl; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him to the end.

The family will receive guests on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 4 – 8 pm at Newcomer SW Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. in Toledo. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Maumee Church, 104 West Broadway Street in Maumee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in Phil's memory.