Greenfield, MA – Charles “Charlie” Donald Hunting, 91, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after a brief time under hospice care following a diagnosis of terminal cancer.
Charlie was born on March 14, 1935, in Athol, Massachusetts. He grew up knowing the hardships of Depression-era poverty, experiences that shaped the hardworking, determined, and generous man he would become. Through perseverance, service, and faith, he built a life centered on family, compassion, and giving others opportunities he himself had never known.
He attended New Salem Academy, graduating in 1954. While attending New Salem Academy, he discovered his wonderful singing voice and began singing at school, local events, and churches.
In 1954 Charlie enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving as a jet mechanic at Nellis Air Force Base. In addition to his duties at the base, he was asked by his chaplain to accompany him to churches throughout the region to share his gift of singing. He was honorably discharged in 1958.
On December 29, 1956, Charlie married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Lyman. Together, they shared 63 devoted years of marriage before Shirley’s passing. Their love was steadfast and enduring, and it is a comfort to know that they are now reunited.
Following his military discharge Charlie utilized the GI Bill to enroll at Fitchburg State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a focus in special education, becoming one of the first members of his family to earn a college degree. Charlie also went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Westfield State College in 1970. He dedicated his entire career to the Greenfield Public Schools, specifically in the special education department, a field he was deeply passionate about. His patience, kindness, and belief in the potential of every child left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.
Outside of work, Charlie was a man of remarkable talent and endless curiosity. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a golfer, a lifelong coin collector, and a gifted craftsman. Whether oil painting, carving beautiful walking sticks and knife handles, or even knitting beautiful sweaters, he embraced every opportunity to create with his hands and mind. There seemed to be little he couldn’t learn to do.
Though Charlie had a wide range of talents, for many, he will be best remembered for his magnificent bass voice. Over the years, he blessed thousands of people by singing at church services, concerts, charitable events, weddings, and funerals. His voice brought comfort, joy, and hope, and remains one of the many gifts he shared so freely.
Charlie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley Ann Hunting; his brothers, Robert and Paul, and sisters, Elsie and Virginia. He leaves behind his loving children, Curtis Hunting (partner Lynne), Cynthia (Tom) Lively, Craig (Michele) Hunting, and his former daughter-in-law, Barbara Hunting, who remained a valued member of the family. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah (Sam) Engleman, Marjorie (Nathan) Smith, Katherine (David) Smead, Jacinta (Jason) Hunting, and Samantha (Wayne) Love. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Samuel and Summer Engleman; Rhett and Garth Smith; and Mabel and Charles Smead, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. He also leaves his sister Pauline Allen of Arkansas and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team and his private caregivers, whose compassionate care and kindness brought comfort to Charlie and those who loved him during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Charlie’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter or Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care.
A private celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at a later date, at a time chosen by the family. Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls.
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