Mr. Kenneth J. "Kenny" Kunkel

SAUQUOIT - Mr. Kenneth J. “Kenny” Kunkel, age 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2018 surrounded by his family during this last journey of his life. He assured all, “Don’t worry about me… I’m going to a better place”. Born in Utica on March 23, 1943, Kenneth was the son of the late Kenneth M. and Blodwen “Bud” (Lewis) Kunkel. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1962. Kenny was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 as a medic during the Vietnam War. He served his country with honor as he faced attacks and offensives in the war zone. On June 1, 1974 he married the former Kathleen M. “Kathie” Dooley who went home to God on October 31, 2009. They were life partners during their marriage of 35 years, and they truly believed in the vows they made to one another. The fruit of the spirit is love, peace, patience, and kindness. That’s what their marriage was made of. In 1939, Kunkel Ambulance and Livery Service was established by the Kunkel family and was successfully owned and operated by three generations. He began as a licensed ambulance driver, responding to the medical needs of the community. He then took responsibility for the Livery and Ambulette division of the firm. Upon the closing of his business, he joined forces with the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. and continued the dignity of driving the Eannace hearse. He truly offered his respectful and dignified demeanor as he escorted many loved ones to their place of rest. To this very day, many of the young staff members credit Kenny for being a good mentor and one who held high the importance of funeral service etiquette. In all his endeavors, Kenny fixed his thoughts on what was true, honorable, and right. He worked hard, knowing that he would prosper, and be satisfied with his life. Because of his vocation, he saw that sometimes angels had to hold our hands. Ken combined good sense with his passions, remembering that time is a precious commodity. He enjoyed the solitude of the God-given land that surrounded his home and he knew the beauty of what it produced. He had a very quiet demeanor and because of this, he was often misunderstood. It was always his open and honest mannerisms that came from his heart that won the affection of those he came to love. It would charm anyone’s heart when Ken found a reason to laugh and put a smile on his face when he embraced his most precious sense of humor. Kenny loved old Western shows and movies, and he was a Buffalo Bills fan who rooted for them to the end. He was a bit of a gardener and a baker, many times cooking up cookies and waffles from scratch. He was a woodworker and found solitude in his shop where he made memorable treasures that remain to this day. As a car aficionado, he appreciated his corvette and the value of classic cars when they were made from metal and chrome. He attended the yearly Carlisle Car Show event (while the girls went shopping), the Corvette Shows at the Beach, and the Syracuse Nationals event showcasing automobiles from decades past. He loved his knowledge of cars. He was fond of the solace and serenity at his camp on Oneida Lake. He would often fish, and make sure that everyone got drenched on the party barge! Ken routinely puttered around the camp, repaired everything that was broken, and he enjoyed all of it. Becoming a grandparent, especially after Kathie’s passing, was a true renewal for Ken. You could see it in his eyes and in the excitement and affection he so openly shared with them. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and it was no sacrifice for him to attend Mass or a funeral service because it was done with love and respect for his faith. He believed in the scripture and teachings of his Catholic creed and he allowed his Lord to coach him throughout his days. There was a deeper wisdom that came from knowing his final journey was before him. That was when he truly discovered all of his major undertakings in life were well worth it. Kenny is survived by his daughter, “daddy’s little girl”, Jennifer E. and her husband Robert J. Veitch; and Jeffrey “his father’s son”, and his wife Jennifer Kunkel; his precious grandchildren, Mackenzie Veitch, and Jameson Kunkel; and his siblings and their loved ones, Joan and Don Dorn, Jack Kunkel and Cathy Carvelli, and Mary and Robert Zuccaro. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, uncle Bill Dooley, aunts Marilyn Richards and Helen Kunkel; mother-in-law, Marie Ellen Dooley; in-laws, Maureen and David A. Scarlino, Maribeth and Charles Canter, Michael P. Dooley Jr., and Shawn and Michelle Dooley; extended family, William and Rosalie Veitch, and Tina Veitch; the family canine companion; and friends Bobby Crill, Chuckie Klein, and the late Bobby Gelfuso. He was predeceased by his uncles and aunt, Edward and Marion Kunkel, and George Kunkel; and his father-in-law, Michael P. “Pat” Dooley. Kenny’s children wish to thank their aunt and uncle Joan and Don Dorn who attended to Kenny with the most awesome love, commitment and dedication that anyone could ask for. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of the Presbyterian Home/Willow Unit for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to the numerous family members and close friends who took the time to visit with him. In Kenny’s own quiet way, he shared his laughter, tears, and love with all who walked this final journey with him. Gratitude is extended to David Morgan who delivered meals and shared companionship and conversation with Ken nightly; Father Tom Servatius for his genuine concern, prayers and personal blessings upon the family; and Michael Viti who was always available to accompany Kenny to his doctor appointments. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Feed Our Vets online at http://www.feedourvets.org/ ; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kenny’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Servatius with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Kenneth J. "Kenny" Kunkel

March 23, 1943 - November 29, 2018