David E. Hunter

December 2, 1957 – February 23, 2026

Cayuga, NY

David E. Hunter, a lifelong area resident, peacefully passed away at Auburn Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

The son of Robert M. and Beverly Kenyon Hunter, he was a graduate of Auburn High School. Dave retired in 2018 from NYSDOCCS as Head Cook at Cayuga Correctional Facility after twenty-five years of employment.

Over the years he additionally served as a chef at Highland Country Club and Holiday Inn Waterloo and assisted his mom with Friday night fish dinners at the former American Legion. He loved good soup and often hosted many “soup” parties.

He loved all sports and was especially a fan of the New York Yankees, New York Jets, and New York Rangers. A passionate golfer, he was also a great boater on the family pontoon boat touring Cayuga Lake.

While he was always on the “go,” family was always first. Surviving are his wife Cheryl Hunter; sons Nicholas Bruno of Auburn and Joseph (Sarah) Bruno of Montezuma; siblings Kathy Goodall (Bill) of Virginia Beach, VA, Richard (Connie) Horr of Weedsport, and Robert (Margaret) Hunter of Auburn; in-laws Wayne (Pam) Day of Salisbury Mills, NY, and Wanda Day of Bethlehem, PA; nephew Alexander Day; nieces Heather (Sean) Kreh and Danielle Powers; one aunt, Barbara Bower of Cortland, NY; one uncle, Richard Kenyon of Clyde, NY; and his beloved canine Kubie.

Dave was predeceased by his parents; uncles Gary Kenyon and Duane Kenyon; brother-in-law Keith Day; mother- and father-in-law Ann and Byron Lafler; and his dog DJ.

A funeral service will be held at Farrell’s Funeral Service Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 2:15 p.m., with the Reverend Matthew Binkowitz officiating. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. prior to services. All are encouraged to wear their NY sports “merch” as a tribute to Dave.

Special thanks to the staff at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, Auburn Cancer Center, and Auburn Community Hospital, and to his brother Bob and sister-in-law Margaret for making sure Mom and Dave never missed an appointment.

The omission of flowers is suggested, with memorials going to Auburn Community Hospital Cancer Treatment Center or the Cayuga Volunteer Fire Department.