Charles Hunter

Dr. Charles Lewis “Chip” Hunter died peacefully at home in Raleigh, NC on June 22, 2024. He was 93 years old.

Born August 6, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY to Henry Lewis Hunter and Millicent Ryder, “Bud” as he was called as a boy, grew up on a potato farm in Orient Point, Long Island. He attended Southold High School where he was a star athlete before earning two degrees in Physical Education from SUNY-Cortland (1952 and 1959). In 1952, Chip was stationed in Japan as an MP during the Korean War. Upon his return, Chip began his career of coaching at Hamilton College from 1955 to 1959. In 1971 Chip earned his doctoral degree from Springfield College that focused on the mechanics of the golf swing.

During his 31 years at SUNY-Potsdam, Chip made numerous contributions. He served as a professor of Physical Education, Lacrosse Coach, Director of Recreation (which included Star Lake Camp Director), Public Relations Director, and retired in the capacity of Chairman of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. In 1984, Chip was awarded the SUNYAC Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Among the many recognitions received over the years for his dedication and service (including being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004), Chip found the greatest satisfaction making a difference in the lives of his student athletes.

Shortly after moving to the North Country, Chip co-founded the New York State Outdoor Education Association and served as its second president. His passion for the outdoors and athletics carried into his personal life with the creation of “Grandpa’s Camp” for his 9 young grandchildren. Chip also loved the game of golf. He was an active member of the Potsdam Country Club where he won many club championships and served as its President from 1979 to 1982. Unknown to many was the influence of his doctoral dissertation awarded by Springfield College in 1971 on “the sequence of hip and selected upper-extremity joint movements during the golf drive.”

For 50 years, Chip and his loving wife of 67 years, Rosalie, called Potsdam home. In keeping with his strong sense of community, Chip served on the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, volunteered at Potsdam Helping Hands, and was a member of the Potsdam Rotary Club and a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church. A new place to call “home” for the last decade became Raleigh, NC, where he loved to “work in his shop” and play bridge with his friends at Magnolia Glen.

Chip is survived by his wife, Rosalie, and his four children; Gabriel (and Harvey) Miller, Nancy (and Thomas) Denney , Elizabeth Price, and Barbara (and James) Collins, along with 9 grandchildren; Patrick Quinn, Zachary (and Lauren) Price, Jennifer (and Spencer) Jones, Joshua Price, Hannah (and Bradley) Dilday, Brittany (and Jacob) Kopech, Jake (and Emma Loughman) Denney, Kaitlin Denney, Nicole (and Luke) Villamaria. Chip is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, his sister Sue McCrary and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three sisters: Dorothy Goldsmith, Helen Rathje and Virginia Norklun.

This man of great integrity, courage and conviction will be remembered as a kind human being, patient father, loving husband, family man, passionate educator, and inspiring coach.

To honor Chip’s legacy, donations can be made to: potsdamhelpinghands.org or hospiceofnorthcarolina.org.