Obituary of Jacob E. Gunther

Jacob E. Gunther Sr., 90, died peacefully at home Thursday, October 11, 2012 at sunrise. Born March 30, 1922 at Horton Memorial Hospital in Middletown, New York. "Jake" as he was known by friends, graduated from Middletown High School in 1939. He attended St. Lawrence University where he graduated in 1943 putting off law school to enlist in the United Sates Army and fight for his nation in World War II. Jake served in the 45th Infantry Division where he attained the rank of sergeant and was an "expert rifleman" Serving in Africa, France and Italy. (where he witnessed the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius from a hospital bed.) Jake also actively participated in the emancipation of concentration camps throughout Germany. He returned to the states to attend Albany Law School where he had the unique distinction of passing the NYS Bar exam prior to graduation. After meeting his true love, Elizabeth (Betty) Claire Cooke, he married in 1947, settling in Middletown and began his life-long career as an attorney working at a local law office for $17.00 a week. He later formed the law offices of Fitzgerald, Gunther & Smith at 59 North Street, known as the old "Gunther Building" which housed his grandfather's tavern in the early 1900's. In addition to his own firm, Jake worked as the attorney for the Enlarged School District of the City of Middletown as well as a Middletown police commissioner for nearly 30 years. He also served several years as the Forestburgh Town Attorney and the Forestburgh Zoning Board of appeals. Jake was active in politics and served as treasurer for the Orange County Republican Committee and was a member of the Forestburgh Republican Club as well as the Forestburgh Civic & Taxpayers association where he was honored as "Citizen of the Year". He was a member of Middletown BPOE 1097 Elks, a volunteer fireman for the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 1, a member of the Forestburgh Fire Company No. 1, Middletown American Legion Post 151, Grace Episcopal Church, the Orange County Bar Association, founder and past president of the Inter-Camp Council and Squirrels Corner Hunting Club which was formed on his family property in Forestburgh, NY where he spent every summer and weekend with his family. He moved there permanently in 1984. Jake was predeceased by his parents, LeRoy C. and Paula D. Gunther; a daughter, Mary C., and son, former State Assemblyman Jacob Gunther III and daughter-in-law, Judith K. Gunther. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty C. Gunther; his two sons, William C. Gunther of Middletown, NY and LeRoy C. Gunther and wife, Gina of Forestburgh, NY; daughter-in-law, Aileen M. Gunther of Forestburgh; one "adopted" son, William Beakes of Lake Altimont, NY; a sister, Barbara Miller of Amsterdam, NY; grandchildren, Elizabeth Sanderson and husband, James of West Palm Beach, FL, Sarah Gunther, Adam Gunther of Middletown, NY, Mary Alice Gunther and husband, Ben Riemer of Dallas, TX, Jacob Gunther IV of Brooklyn, NY, Caitlin Gunther of Brooklyn, NY, Jonathan Gunther of Saratoga Springs, NY and Andrew Gunther of Forestburgh, NY; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Maximillian, Scarlett, and Meadow; as well as several nieces and nephews; his personal chef, Carl Buckstad; and his faithful dog, Suzie. Jake loved his family and always put family first. He loved the outdoors and when not lawyering spent a great deal of time mowing, cooking, golfing, (past Champion of the "Diana Golf League") cutting wood, puttering, hunting, rocking and nature watching while sitting at the lake at "Birchwood" with his wife or one of his boys. He had a particular fondness of picking up the daily paper and having coffee at the Forestburgh Store determining the fate of the world. His sense of humor was timeless. The family would like to express their thanks to all those care givers and friends who took care of and kept Jake's positive attitude and love of life flourishing. A special thanks to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan County. In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Hospice. Visitation and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the VanInwegen-Kenny Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway, Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com