On Sunday, June 14, 2020, Heaven gained an angel. Hunter Montgomery Barker, 21, was released from his Earthly bonds and called to his Heavenly home after a valiant battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He passed at home surrounded by his immediate family and beloved pets.Hunter was born in Danville, Virginia on November 10, 1998 to Hyacinth (Respass) Barker Fiorenzo and Marshall Barker. He was an intelligent, inquisitive and innovative child with a calm and kind demeanor. He loved science and never ceased to turn every aspect of his life into a learning opportunity. Despite the hardships of his ailment, Hunter was studious and steadfast in school. He went on to earn an Advanced New York Regents Diploma from Longwood High School and a dual Regents Diploma from Henry Viscardi School, both on Long Island.
Hunter is survived by his parents, beloved brother Joseph Nathanial, of the home. Step-father, Joseph Fiorenzo; Grandparents Michelle and Rodney Beach of Milton; Grandmother Ruby Barker of Semora and Great Grandparents Phyllis and Doug Cassell of Stuart; Aunt Scarlett Keen (Lena), Aunt Shellie Keen (Clay), Uncle Ray Keen (Tracy), Aunt Christina Cassell, Uncle Jon Cassell (Michelle) and Aunt Roseann Fiorenzo (Paul), cousins Ronin, Hyacinth, Nathanial, Jacob, Dylan, Emma, Olivia, Fallyn, Lily and Hannah as well as half siblings Jamie, Hannah and Alexander.
He is predeceased by his grandfather John Barker and grandparents Albert and Josephine Fiorenzo.
Hunter lived a full life and was actively involved in his community for as long as he was physically able. He began playing sports (tee ball, soccer, basketball) at the age of 4 in Caswell County and continued when he moved to New York, remaining active in baseball until the nature of his disease rendered him wheelchair bound. Hunter then transitioned to playing Point Guard for his high school’s wheelchair basketball team and served as Captain for the Long Island Lightning baseball team. On weekends he coached baseball for developmentally disabled children for the Miracle League of Long Island. In recognition of his service and endurance, he was named an honorary member of the St. John’s University Red Storm NCAA Baseball team of Queens. Hunter also served as local ambassador for the New York Metro MDA, working closely with the New York Yankees to raise funds for muscular dystrophy.
In his short lifetime he has touched a million hearts. Hunter never met a stranger. His authentic smile and gentle soul knew no bounds and he easily made lifelong friends across the board and from all walks of life. He genuinely and honestly cared for everyone and always managed to see the best in each individual.
His will was unwavering, and he bore an internal strength that far surpassed his physical limitations. So many people throughout the duration of his life have commented that he was the strongest person they had ever met. Hunter was, in a word, phenomenal.
He enjoyed hot rod cars (especially Mustangs,) fishing, cooking, trying new foods, playing games, laughing and listening to country music. He enjoyed quiet solitude and long talks with interesting people. He absolutely loved animals of every species.
He will forever be remembered and cherished as a friend to everyone, a beloved son, brother, grandson and nephew, a whisperer and protector of animals and a lover of nature. He realized fairly early that his life would not last as long of a life as he had wished but he still always managed to find the silver lining in every cloud and he never failed to take the time to smell the roses. May his legacy remind us all to do the same.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 1:00 PM in the Lebanon Church Cemetery in Semora, NC with Pastor Daniel Johnson officiating. All are welcome to come and pay their respects on Friday, June 19, 2020 from 11 to 5 at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart and at other times at the home in Patrick Springs until Friday and at the home of Rodney and Michelle Beach in Milton, NC on Friday and Saturday. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the family fund, 1782 Koger Mill Rd., Patrick Springs, VA 24122. A portion of which will be split evenly amongst the charities that enriched Hunter’s life, including PPMD, MDA, CureDuchenne, the Jett Foundation, PALs, Make A Wish, the Ronald McDonald House and ARF of the Hamptons. (Or make a donation in Hunter’s name to any of the aforementioned charities)