Rowland "Buddy" F. Hunt Jr.

Rowland “Buddy” F. Hunt Jr., 48, of Gardner, died peacefully Thursday, July 13, 2023, in his home.

Born in Gardner on March 9, 1975, he was the son of Dianne A. (Richard) Hunt of Gardner and the late Rowland F. Hunt. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1993. Buddy was a Lineman employed by Verizon for many years.

Buddy was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. He was a member of the Pitch Leagues at the Napoleon Club of Gardner and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 905 of Gardner and he was a former member of the Polish American Citizens Club of Gardner. Buddy enjoyed playing KENO, card games, and Fantasy Football. He was an avid fan of all the New England sports teams and a movie buff—enjoying the Sci-Fi genre, Tarantino movies, and Game of Thrones.  Buddy also played softball for several years in the Gardner leagues and enjoyed playing golf.  Most important to Buddy was his family, caring for his Memere when she became sick allowing her to stay home till her passing. He will be remembered by all for his infectious smile, comedic relief, and larger-than-life presence.

Besides his mother, Buddy is survived by his two sisters, Lisa Rhodes and her husband Dan of Gardner, and Heather Ferrari and her former husband Mark Ferrari. Though he never had children of his own he adored his niece and nephew as if they were his own, Ella Rhodes and Mark Ferrari Jr. of Gardner. He also leaves his aunts and uncles, Donald Hunt of Florida, Jane Dufresne of Winchendon, Stephen and Susan Hunt of Winchendon, Wayne Hunt of Gardner and Beth Hunt of Winchendon, Lucy Morrill and her partner Derrel of Vermont and Omer and Phyllis Richard of Gardner and several cousins.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 21, 2023, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA, at the convenience of the family.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or on their website at (www.holyfamilyacademyma.org/100-for-100-in-a-100). Please reference in memory of Rowland “Buddy” F. Hunt Jr.