Light of Peace Flag April 2025, to Honor U.S. Navy Veteran William Richard Hunter
During the month of April, the 67th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of William Richard Hunter who served in the United States Navy from July 23, 1956, to June 21, 1958, as a Fireman Apprentice, aboard the USS Price, an Edsall-class destroyer.
William Hunter, known as “Bill,” was born in Scranton, PA on August 17, 1937, the son of Nathaniel B. and Esther (Thomas) Hunter. He graduated from South Scranton High School and at the age of 19 and joined the United States Navy, serving his country for two years. He met his wife, Lorraine (Huot) Hunter, while stationed in Newport, RI. After his military service, he decided to stay in New England and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.
While serving in the United States Navy, Hunter was at a grade rate of “FN,” which stands for Fireman Apprentice. This is an enlisted rating focused on engineering and maintenance, typically at the E-2 to E-3 pay grades. According to mynavyhr.mil, the Fireman Apprentice would “stand engineering watches; clean, paint, and preserve engineering spaces and equipment; perform minor maintenance and repairs to engineering equipment; operate tools and test equipment; record readings of gages; and read and use engineering drawings.”
The USS Price (DE-332) was designed primarily for antisubmarine warfare and convoy escort and was in service with the United States Navy from 1943 to 1947 and from again from 1956 to 1960.
According to Navsource.org, the USS Price was recommissioned in New York on August 1, 1956, and reported for duty in Newport, Rhode Island on September 11 that same year. “For the next three and a half years she patrolled the Atlantic Barrier from north of Newfoundland, and south from the English Channel to the Azores. This duty was interrupted by a schedule of training cruises to waters off Cuba, Bermuda, and the Virginia Capes and in December 1959 by SAR duty for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s flight home from Paris.”
Once completing his military service Hunter attended college while working as a correctional officer for the Bristol County House of Corrections, where he worked for many years. He was very involved in the community, working as a volunteer firefighter in Acushnet, a volunteer range officer for the New Bedford Police Department at the Police Gun Range in Dartmouth, MA, a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and a
member of the Ft. Taber Military Museum. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and trips to Twin River Casino.
Hunter’s daughter, Diane Hunter explained, that her dad worked as a security guard at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman many years ago, and “he came full circle by donating items to the museum when it opened. He got a kick out of knowing he used to be at the gate entrance working the guard shed.” She went on to explain, that her “dad was so proud of the museum and had volunteered there with his good friend Normand Chartier.”
He was the loving husband of Lorraine (Huot) Hunter with whom he would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June. He is also survived by three beloved daughters and sons-in-laws: Diane Hunter and her husband Manuel Irujo, and Suzanne Cookson and her husband Richard Jr., all of New Bedford; and Patricia Knight and her husband Douglas of East Freetown. He was Papa to his three grandsons who were his pride and joy: Nickolas R. Cookson and Alexander W. Irujo of New Bedford and Adam E. Irujo of Westerly, RI. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law: Alma Hunter of Moosic, PA. He was predeceased by his siblings John and Rose Marie Hunter.
Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.