Conway, NH – Russell “Russ” Edwin Hunter, 89, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough with his loved ones by his side after suffering a stroke earlier in the month.
He was born in Richmond, ME on September 6, 1935, a son of Wallace L. Hunter and Hazel G. (Baxter) Hunter and grew up in Bowdoinham, ME until the age of 17 when his family moved to South Portland, ME.
Russ graduated from South Portland High School in 1954 after which time he joined and proudly served in the USA Air Force until 1958 achieving the rank of MSGT. Then from 1958 to 1985 he continued to serve in the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
In 1955 he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anne Kemp. They had two children, a son Randy and a daughter, Lori. They divorced after 19 years of marriage in 1975. He was remarried in 1980 to Dorothy “Dotty” Folsom and settled down in Conway, NH where together they raised her children Lycia, Laura, Leah, and Doug.
Russ was a hard worker and held many jobs. For 27 years, one weekend a month, he reported for duty at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, NH. During that time, he also worked for Carroll Industries, as a Woodworker and machine operator then worked for Carroll Reed as a Truck driver and dock worker until 1990 when the plant closed. He transported bulk mail from the U.S. mail center in Portsmouth, NH to North Conway area and back daily for several years. He also worked as a bus driver for several years for the Town of Conway and area schools.
Russ was also an avid animal lover. He had several cats throughout his adult life as well as rabbits. However, his most loved companion was his dog, Duke. He and Duke spent many mornings together at the dog park until Duke’s passing in October 2022.
Russ was a member of the Conway Congregational Church, attending services faithfully and enjoyed the weekly Bible Study. For many years Russ and Dotty enjoyed volunteering at the church during the fall season when they would peel many of apples for the church to make Apple Crisp to be sold at the Fryeburg Fair.
Russell was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, in 2022, whom he was married to for 42 years, his parents, Wallace and Hazel, and his 6 brothers; Junior, Rodney, Floyd, Elmer, Ken, and Donald.
He is survived by his son, Randall Hunter of Honolulu, HI and his daughter Lori (Hunter) Dorey and her husband Michael of Buxton, ME, his grandson, Brandon Dorey and his fiancée, Autumn and their three children Liam, Hudson and Davis, his sister, Patricia Fialkosky and her husband Ed of Groton, CT
Russell also leaves behind his stepchildren Laura Kenny and her partner, James Sabina; Leah Folsom and her partner, Thomas Kugel; Lycia Morley and her husband, Jack; Doug Folsom and his wife, Deborah, and many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
There will be a church service for Russell on Saturday, August 16, at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Conway, N.H., followed by a gathering at church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Conway Village Congregational Church (https://www.thebrownchurch.org/flood-recovery/) or the Conway Area Humane Society (https://www.conwayshelter.org/donate-to-cahs/)
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
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