David M. Hunt, age 63 passed away from cancer on Friday March 24, 2023. He resided in Grafton, NY, formally of Ashland, MA after a period of declining health.

Born in Framingham, MA and raised in Ashland, MA he was the son of David E. Hunt and Claire S. (Bonvini) Hunt. He attended Cornell University in NY and later University of Georgia to obtain his Ph.D. in Botany. His focus was aimed specifically at Oak trees when he saw early in his studies down in Florida the rapid decline of a specific species of Oak called Florida Scrub Oak (Quercus inopina). He had settled in Grafton, NY where he became the leading authority on the surrounding Rensselaer Plateau, protecting rare plants and habitats. His dedication to preservation was admired by many and he has earmarked part of his property to be donated to a local organization to be enjoyed years to come. He will be buried under a White Oak (Quercus Alba), the only one residing on his property in Grafton, on Saturday, April 1st, 2023. He leaves behind his son, Terrason J. Hunt, 19 of Grafton, NY, his brothers, Tim Hunt and his wife Barbara of Dartmouth, MA, Scott Hunt and his wife Kris of Franklin, MA, and his parents David E. Hunt and Claire of Ashland, MA. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in April.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Nature Conservancy in Florida would be appreciated to help in the preservation of the Florida Scrub Oak (Quercus Inopina). You can use this link to send your donations but unfortunately there is no way to specify so there is also a mailing address listed where you may specify.

Donate Now to Protect Nature