Obituary of Kenneth F Kunzman

To livestream the Mass please click below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/JI1JNoJNEBI?feature=share

Visitation on Tuesday March 7th from 3-7PM at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 44 Benvenue Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052.

The family asks that you make a donation in lieu of sending flowers.  

Kenneth Francis Xavier Kunzman passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday March 3, 2023 at the age of 85. Ken was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on April 26, 1937 to Alfred and Margaret (Beirne) Kunzman.

Ken started his education at St. Peter’s Prep, where he graduated in 1954. He then went on to attend the College of the Holy Cross where he played on the Varsity Basketball team. Ken then attended Fordham Law School. Upon graduating Fordham in 1961, he worked for one year as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerald T. Foley, New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. His legal career took a detour when Ken served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1962-1965. Upon his return from service, he resumed what would become a very successful legal career. Shortly after joining Connell Foley LLP, Ken was named partner and held that position until the day he died 55 years later. Ken loved the law and was especially proud of being awarded the Thomas More Medal for Integrity in the Law. Connell Foley was his work family and he cherished the close friendships with his partners, associates, clients and faithful assistant Nora Welten.

In 1960, Ken married the love of his life, Anne Degnan. Ken and Anne raised their six children in West Orange, NJ on Cobane Terrace where they have lived for more than 50 years. Summers were spent at their home in Spring Lake, NJ for the past 25 years where they opened their home to a continuous stream of family and friends. Ken was never happier than when he was with the people he loved. Spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and friends who were like family gave him the most joy.

Ken had a strong faith instilled in him by his parents and continued with his Jesuit education. He was involved in creating organizations and supporting numerous other organizations devoted to helping others in need. Ken’s life was dedicated to his faith, family, occupation and countless great friendships. In everything he did, he was truly a man for others. He was an avid sports fan who religiously followed Seton Hall University basketball, the Yankees and the Giants. In the words of his grandchildren, “Grandpa taught us the importance of faith, family, and that you can never have too many friends, but most importantly…always make your foul shots.”

Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne Degnan Kunzman. He was a devoted father of 6 children, Eileen Phillips husband Greg, Margaret Folan, Mary King husband Dave, Carolyn Gunning husband Bob, Anne James husband Albert, Ken Kunzman wife Lisa. He was a beloved Grandfather to 17, Gregory Phillips wife Megan, Annie Morris husband Dave, Kathryn Shaw husband Vinnie, Daniel Phillips, Stephen Folan, Julia Folan, Rosie King, David King, Jr, Maura Larson husband Evan, Paige Gunning, Lauren Gunning, Albert James, Lilly James, Liam James, Katie Kunzman, Kenny Kunzman, Maggie Kunzman. He also had 4 great-grandchildren (with one more expected near his birthday in April of 2023), Nolan Phillips, Molly Phillips, Olivia Morris, and David Morris. Ken was Uncle to over 40 nieces and nephews.

Ken was predeceased by his Father, Alfred Kunzman, mother Margaret (Beirne) Kunzman, brother Alfred Kunzman and his wife Carolanne, brother Thomas George Kunzman.

Services will be Tuesday, March 7th, from 3pm to 7pm at St. Joseph’s Church, 44 Benvenue Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052 and the Christian Mass of burial will be held at 10am on Wednesday, March 8th, at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St, Newark, NJ 07104.

The family would prefer donations rather than flowers. Donations can be made in Ken’s name to;

The Scholarship for Inner-City Children

171 Clifton Avenue

Newark, NJ 07104 https://sficnj.org

Or to:

Mass General Hospital to support his niece Betsy Sullivan running the Boston Marathon in honor of her son Flynn Sullivan who lost his battle to cancer in April, 2021.

If you would like to support this cause, please go to Betsy’s fundraising page: https://www.givengain.com/activist/450751/projects/56597/#timeline