Donald Eugene Hunter
Donald Eugene Hunter, 63, of Pittsboro, N.C., formerly of Paris, PA, died of a massive heart attack New Year’s Day, January 1, 2020, while vacationing in the Caribbean.
Interestingly enough, Donald had no history of heart disease, worked out three times weekly with two personal trainers, and watched his diet.
His sudden death was shocking, but he died doing what he enjoyed: relaxing in the sunshine on a cruise.
Mr. Hunter was born June 17, 1956, in North Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, W.Va., a son of the late Rev. Joseph and Earlene Meckel Hunter, who lived in West Alexander, at the time.
He was a 1974 graduate of Burgettstown Jr./Sr. High School. A dedicated member of the marching band, he played the trumpet both in the band and as accompaniment for the church choir. He participated in the high school musicals and continued his studies in music at Depauw University in Greencastle, Ind., graduating in 1978.
A high school course in computers and a part-time summer job with a bank changed the direction of Don’s career. He once said that he knew his voice would not support him in the style to which he wanted to become accustomed, so he got a job in a bank in Chicago and pursued banking in some form for the rest of his life. He acquired an MBA and polished his skills with electronic banking and debit cards.
Active in his community wherever he lived, at the time of his death, Don was an elder in the session of the University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, N.C., and sang in the chancel choir.
He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Opera in Raleigh, N.C.
Mr. Hunter was preceded in death by his father, the Rev. Joseph L. Hunter; his maternal grandparents, Carl and Verdie Meckel of Evansville, Ind.; and paternal grandparents, J. Hutchison and Louise Hunter of Lagonda; sister-in-law, Charlene Bowles Hunter of Lakehurst, N.J.; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Since his death in 2020, his nephew and mother have also passed.
He is survived by his husband, Lewis Lampiris; sister, Sandra (Jim) Craig of Washington; brother, David Hunter of Lakehurst, N.J.; brother-in-law, Harry Lampiris of San Francisco, Calif.; sister-in-law, Angela Piteris of Babylon, N.Y.; two nephews; four nieces; six great-nephews; three great-nieces; and numerous cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the newly reformed marching band program at Burgettstown Jr. Sr. High School or to a charity of one’s choice. Checks should be made payable to Burgettstown Area School District with a memo note that the donation is to the band.
Friends and relatives will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21. Interment will follow at Upper Ten Mile Cemetery, Prosperity.