Obituary: Peter Gunther, 81, Ex-Chief of Northport Fire Department

Photo by Steve Silverman

Peter H. Gunther, an ex-chief of Northport Fire Department, died suddenly on Friday, April 15. He was 81 years old.

Gunther was a Northport native, a member of Town of Huntington's Softball Hall of Fame and owner of Gunther's Tap Room in Northport.

Loving husband of Dolores. Devoted father of Peter S. Gunther (Mary), Lori Jayne Kerman (Steve), Joanne Demaree and Jon Gunther. Fond brother of Barbara Plessner. Cherished by his seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

From the Northport Fire Department Facebook page:

Peter Gunther was born and raised in Northport. He had been a member of the Department for 24 years when he was elected Chief. In addition to his duties as a firefighter, he had gained quite a reputation as an athlete and sportsman. As a student at Northport High School, Pete Gunther was a stand out on the varsity baseball team. After graduation his interest in baseball became a passion for softball, both fast and slow pitch. He helped organize the Town of Huntington's fire Department League, and was a player on Northport's Mud Hens during its glory years in the 1960's, when it won a number of Township championships. Over a period of more than two decades, Pete Gunther was many times voted onto Town All Star teams, and was a two time winner of its Sportsman of the Year Award, in 1976 and 1981. He was honored by being named to the Huntington Softball Hall of Fame, and retired from active play in 1987.

Reposing Nolan & Taylor-Howe Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Ave. in Northport, Tuesday 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Firematic services Tuesday 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Prayers 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations to Northport Fire Department, 204 Main St. Northport NY 11768 or Little Shelter Animal Rescue 33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY 11743, in Peter's memory would be appreciated.

Read full obituary here.

Photo: Peter Gunther Sr. is pictured with his son Peter Gunther Jr., who is also the Huntington Town Superintendent of Highways and an Ex-Chief and Commissioner in the Centerport Fire Department.