Sunday, October 18, 2026

Weston Writer Evan Hunter, Honored by Westport, Dies at Age 78

Evan Hunter, the prolific writer born Salvatore Lombino who wrote under the Hunter name as well as Ed McBain and several others to become one of America’s best-known mystery and crime novelists, died Wednesday in Weston of cancer of the larynx, his agent said. He was 78. In September 2003, Hunter (box) was among those honored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee at a Westport Town Hall ceremony. He startled the audience with his gravely voice and finger constantly held to a white button on his throat, explaining he lost his vocal chords to cancer and was speaking with a synthetic voice. Hunter ended his brief talk with thanks to Westport and the Arts Advisory Committee for selecting him as an honoree. “Art is all about voices,” he said. “And Westport is all about art.” Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo

2 thoughts on “Weston Writer Evan Hunter, Honored by Westport, Dies at Age 78”

Maureen Howell says:
Friday, July 08, 2005 at 6:52 am
I was so upset to hear the sad news that Ed McBain had died. I read my first 87th Precinct novel when I was 16 and I have read every one since. I am currently halfway through reading ‘Hark’ which I am enjoying as much as all his other books. I also read the Matthew Hope series. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the hours of enjoyment I have had over the last 27 years reading all his books and would be grateful if you would pass on my condolences to his family. Reading will never be quite the same again without more of his books to look forward to. Best wishes, Maureen Howell
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Jim Heavey says:
Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 3:01 am
Wow, a sad day for anyone who likes to sit back and enjoy a good book. Reading the paper today i came across the obit for Evan Hunter. I sat there stunned saying no no no over and over again. Evan wrote his first 87th book when I was one year old. I wasn’t able to read it when it first came out but I have since gotten and read every single one of his books by all his psuedonems. My sincere condolences to family and friends. Evan, I thank you for all of the reading enjoyment you have givin me and I pray that you find a special place in Gods care. Jim Heavey
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