Hunter M. Foley, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to countless people, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse following a tragic work accident.
Born on August 26, 1998, in Carthage, New York, to Michael J. and Jennifer P. (Morgan) Foley, Hunter was larger than life in spirit, with a heart as big as his love for family, friends, and adventure.
From a young age, Hunter showed a remarkable passion for hockey. He played with the Watertown Hockey Association before transitioning into officiating as he grew older.
Hunter became a highly respected hockey official, dedicating countless hours to youth games, high school matches, Jefferson Community College competitions, and men’s league hockey throughout the region. His enthusiasm, fairness, and love for the game earned him admiration from players, coaches, and families alike.
Hunter graduated from General Brown High School in 2016, where he played both hockey and lacrosse. He continued his athletic pursuits at Jefferson Community College, graduating in 2018 with a degree in Criminal Justice, all while remaining active in lacrosse and maintaining his deep ties to the community.
Hunter lived life with fearless energy. He loved golfing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, but his favorite pastime was four-wheeling in the Tug Hill Region with his friends, always embracing the mud, trails, and adventure.
Known for his signature mullet, infectious laugh, and incredible dance moves, Hunter could light up any room and make ordinary moments unforgettable. Even after undergoing open-heart surgery at age 12 to repair an atrial septal defect, Hunter never let challenges slow him down.
His courage and positivity inspired everyone around him. Beyond his hobbies and passions, Hunter was fiercely loyal, endlessly loving, and devoted to his family. He is survived by his parents, Michael J. and Jennifer P. Foley; his brother, Riley C. Foley; and his trusted companion, his dog Remington.
He is also remembered fondly by his maternal grandfather, Daren L. Morgan; maternal uncle and fiancée, Michael S. Morgan and Charlotte Struble; aunts, uncles, and cousins across the region, all of whom loved him deeply.
Hunter was predeceased by his grandparents, Beverly Morgan, William and Marion Foley, and other relatives who are surely welcoming him with open arms.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home in Watertown, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Hunter’s life afterward at Spook Hill Bar & Restaurant. Donations in Hunter’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, an organization that played an important role in his life.
Hunter’s life, though tragically short, was full of love, laughter, and adventure. His legacy of kindness, courage, loyalty, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, in the trails he explored, the hockey rinks he loved, and the countless memories he created with friends and family.
Comments