Robert G. Huntington

Robert Graham Huntington, known affectionately to family and friends as “Byng,” passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, just days before his 92nd birthday. Born on March 12, 1934, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, he was the son of Harold Graham Huntington and Mary Helen (Curtis) Huntington. From an early age, Byng embodied the values that would guide his life: integrity, intellectual curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

Byng pursued his passion for engineering with dedication and distinction. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Union College in 1956 and went on to receive a Master of Science in Engineering from Harvard University in 1959, later completing postgraduate study there in 1968. Following his graduation from Union, he served honorably in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959.

Over the course of a remarkable professional career spanning several decades, Byng became a respected leader in environmental and industrial engineering. He began as a principal development engineer at Carrier Research and Development Corporation in Syracuse, New York. His expertise and steady leadership led him to senior executive roles, including vice president positions at American Air Filter Corporation and Allis Chalmers Corporation, and senior vice president at Cottrell Corporation.

In 1986, he joined Environmental Elements Corporation in Baltimore as senior vice president and subsidiary director. In 1994, he founded Huntington Consultants in Cooperstown, New York, providing trusted environmental and industrial engineering counsel to clients across the United States and internationally. Throughout his career, Byng was committed to advancing responsible engineering solutions that balanced industrial progress with environmental stewardship.

His professional contributions extended beyond the companies he served. Byng was president of the Industrial Gas Cleaning Institute and chair of the Environmental Industry Council in Washington, D.C., helping shape industry standards and public policy discussions. A devoted alumnus of Union College, he remained actively involved for many years, serving on the Board of Trustee Advisors and chairing the Dean’s Engineering Council.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Byng was a man of warmth, wit, wisdom and quiet generosity. He cherished the performing arts, supported historic preservation efforts and animal welfare (through leadership positions in the local SPCA), and valued thoughtful conversation as well as lifelong learning. Those who knew him remember his steady presence, measured counsel, and the twinkle in his eye that often accompanied a well-timed remark. Byng continued his education of the world through his extensive global travels where he grew to appreciate different cultures. And, ever the Engineer, Byng enjoyed tinkering with electronics, other mechanical systems and German cars.

On January 28, 1956, he married Patricia Ann Pearsall, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly seventy years. Together they built a family grounded in love and mutual respect. Byng was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and two siblings, Harold Curtis Huntington and Ann Huntington Butler (Bob) and is survived by his two daughters, Gracia Curtis Huntington (Bretlund Sherlock) and Anne Wolcott Huntington Fielden (Don), grandchildren Dodge Matthew Fielden, Elinor Fielden Baker (Jack), Samuel Huntington Fielden and step-granddaughter

Briana Rachelle Pinto Sherlock (Iván) and great-grandchildren Elsie Blair Baker, Sofie Gaia Pinto Sherlock and Caleb Foresti Pinto Sherlock in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Additionally, Byng is survived by two siblings, Mary Helen Huntington Yeo and John Frederick Huntington (Jackie).

Byng’s life was defined not only by professional achievement, but by his wonderful character — by the way he treated others (including animals), by his thoughtful leadership, and by his enduring commitment to family and community. His legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the colleagues he mentored, and the family he loved so deeply.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider making a donation to the one of the following organizations which were important to Dad:

● Hosparus Health of Kentucky

● SPCA

● Union College, School of Engineering (Schenectady, NY)

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.