Theodore E. Hunt

Born: September 11, 1919
Died: January 25, 1992
Buried: St. Agnes Cemetery

Ted Hunt was a well-known character in Island Falls. During his life, he served his community and nation in a myriad of ways.

The son of Josiah and Thirza Hunt, Ted entered the world on September 11, 1919. He was one of four children. His father repaired shoes for several generations of residents. Ted played baseball at Island Falls High School during the 1930’s and he went on to play for Husson College. By then, Europe was embroiled in war and in 1940, Ted stepped up, enlisting in the US Army.

During World War II, young Ted served in various European and African theatres, including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He was part of the 13th Airborne Division, an infantry group nicknamed the “Golden Unicorns” and sometimes referred to as the Black Cat Division since it was considered to have disregarded superstition because it had been activated on Friday the 13th in August of 1943. By the time of his discharge in 1945, the twenty-six-year-old had been awarded four Bronze Service Stars for his contributions. He arrived back in the States, coming ashore in New York City on VE Day.

Ted met and married Margaret Doherty and they began to raise their family of one son and three daughters. During the 1950’s and ‘60’s, he owned and operated Ted’s Restaurant and later Ted’s Meat Market, both popular gathering places for the town’s residents. He went to work for the US Veterans’ Administration and the US Postal Service. He worked in this capacity for 38 years, becoming postmaster of Island Falls until his retirement.

Besides his careers, Ted served his hometown in various ways. Upon his return from his military service, he joined the King-Mitchell Post VFW No. 7529 where he remained a member for many years, serving as commander of the Post. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. He was an enthusiastic supporter of local high school sports, and ended up serving on the School Board for Island Falls and later, after consolidation, as a Board Member for Southern Aroostook Community School. Gardening and golf were favorite pastimes, and he was an accomplished craftsman.

Like so many of his generation, Ted Hunt left his hometown, served in a conflict thousands of miles away that dragged on for years, then returned to Island Falls to add his chapter to our story.