John R. Hunter, 98, of Latrobe, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital.

Born October 11, 1925 in Latrobe, he was a son of the late Hazel Irene (Hunter) Datz.

John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Latrobe. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Westinghouse Air Brake Company for 40 years. For many years, he volunteered maintaining the field at Latrobe Derry Area Teener League’s Rosa-Oglietti Park. John was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in World War II. He was a life member of St. Joe’s Social Club and American Legion Post No. 515. He was an avid Steelers and Penn State fan and enjoyed puzzles and playing solitaire.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary M. (Katana) Hunter; a brother, Russell A. Datz; a sister, Dolores “Dee” Geary; his step-father, Adrian Datz; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

John is survived by one son, John R. Hunter II, and his wife Darlene, of Latrobe; one daughter, JoAnn Hunter of Latrobe; a sister-in-law, Janie Tobin of Louisville, KY; two grandchildren, Michael Hunter, and his wife Laura, and Felicia Hunter; a great-granddaughter, Lilia; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday at the Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. A funeral service will be held at 10 am Thursday in the funeral home with the Trinity Clergy officiating. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Latrobe Derry Area Teener League or Adams Memorial Library.