On April 1, 2024, one day after celebrating the resurrection of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Robert “Bob” Hunt was called home to be with his Lord. A loving husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, choir member and church leader, he leaves behind a large community of people whose lives he touched for the better that includes his wife Mary Kay, Sons Steve (daughter-in-law Monique) and Michael (granddaughter Zoe Hartenstein), and daughter Kellie Napolitano (grandsons John, Joseph, Anthony and Michael).
He was born and grew up in Washington DC. While working at Acacia Insurance, he met his future wife of 67 years, Mary Kay Buck. He enlisted in the USAF shortly before their wedding and they were stationed at Clark AFB shortly thereafter. Upon return to the US, he attended the University of Maryland and went to work at the National Security Agency (NSA) after graduation. He served our nation at NSA for 30 years as a linguist, analyst, cryptologist, staff assistant and manager. He did two deployments to Vietnam in the 1960’s and a four year tour in Germany from 1978 to 1982. Bob was awarded an Agency fellowship that enabled him to earn his master’s degree in Intelligence Research. He retired in 1992 as the Deputy Department Head of the National Cryptologic School.
One of his great passions was helping young people through sports. He coached football, basketball, baseball and tennis. He started with a recreation center job while attending UMD. He coached Steve’s teams, then Michael’s teams, then Kellie’s teams. He coached a German woman’s basketball team while stationed in Munich. Then he coached his grandson teams including being Anthony’s and Michael’s high school assistant tennis coach. The relationships created on various fields or courts had a wonderful impact on many of the young people he coached.
After his faith, family was the most important thing in his life. His loving care for his wife of 67 years was always evident. Being a good father was one of his greatest concerns. He invested great time and effort in being not a good father but a great one. Upon retirement from NSA, he took on the job of full-time grandfather and was an integral part of the lives of his four grandsons. Although not seeing his granddaughter in Germany very often, he showered her with love from afar. It was obvious to all in attendance that his favorite events were ones where he was surrounded by his family.
Bob came to accept his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a Billy Graham revival in his late teens. His faith was an integral part of his life from then on. He and Kay sang in the choir of most churches they attended. He taught Sunday school and small groups of all ages. He and Kay were long time members and leaders in Henson Valley Christian Church in Oxen Hill, Maryland until moving closer to their grandchildren. They have been attending Faith Family Church after moving to Eldersburg Maryland. His family and friends are comforted in the assurance that Bob is with his Lord and Savior and that all who have accepted Jesus Christ will see him again.
A memorial to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on April 13th at 10:30am at Faith Family Church located at 4150 Sykesville Rd., Finksburg Maryland 21048. There will be a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mission Aviation Fellowship (https://maf.org/).
Online condolences at www.Burrier-Queen.com.
Special Note from the NCF – Bob was a long-time NCF member and Benefactor level donor who also worked for and volunteered with the Foundation for many years. He assisted with programs and in the office and was always there to help with a smile and a kind word. Bob also took special care in reaching out to the families of departed colleagues. He is deeply missed and will never be forgotten.