David L. Kunzmann

David L. Kunzmann, 87, longtime resident of Watkins Glen NY, and recently of Bethany Nursing Home, Horseheads, NY passed away on June 3, 2021 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in New Haven, CT on May 8, 1934, the son of Louis and Bessie (Williams) Kunzmann. He graduated from West Haven High School in 1952 and then from Middlebury College (VT) in 1956 where he lettered in varsity hockey. David was also an Eagle Scout. After graduating from college, he began work for Shepard Niles Crane & Hoist Corp. He served in the US Army Artillery 1957-1959 before returning to Shepard Niles where he worked until he retired as Manager of Contract Administration. David coached Twin Tiers Youth Hockey. He served for 15 years on the Schuyler Hospital board. He participated on the Cornell Cooperative Extension board, and volunteered for 13 years at the Office for the Aging. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Watkins Glen Elks Club, a member the Watkins-Montour Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and he was a member of the Moose Club. He also volunteered for the Humane Society of Schuyler County and Wags to Riches Boutique.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert and sister-in-law Susan (Kenney) Kunzmann. He was survived for two days by his childhood sweetheart, Carol Grandy Kunzmann, who was his wife for 64 years, and who passed away on June 5, 2021. He is also survived by his daughter Wendy and husband Dr. Stephen Solomon of Owego NY, son Steven Kunzmann of Tega Cay, SC; grandchildren Phillip and wife Kristie (Wicklund) McBride of Owego NY, Adam and wife Kerri (Desrochers) McBride of Denver NC; great grandchildren Keili, Adaline, Aden McBride of Denver NC, Julianna McBride and McKayla Walker of Owego NY; special family friends Donn McBride of Endicott NY and John Tunnicliff and his family of Clifton Springs NY; and a niece and three nephews.
David loved his family, and cats (especially “Tripper”), to sail on Seneca Lake, travel to tropical islands, attend shows at the local theatres, and take walks with Carol. He enjoyed and spent hundreds of hours creating his model HO train layout in the basement, and playing his Lowrey organ.
We send out a special thank you to The Bethany Manor Nursing Home and staff who treated David with care and compassion. He loved having a set schedule, activities, friends, meals and the morning snack cart. When his wife, Carol, joined him at the nursing home, together they were able to enjoy their love of people, playfulness and humor.
There will be a celebration of both of their lives at the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge on August 1 from 11:00am-1:00pm. A private family graveside memorial service for Carol and David will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Watkins Glen.
Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to The Humane Society of Schuyler County, PO Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865, or a charity of your choice.
Thank you to all of our friends for the expressions of kindness that have been offered during this difficult time.
Arrangements by the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen. (www.RoyceChedzoy.com)