Robert William Kunkel Sr.

He was born on April 24, 1929, son of the late Arunah (Rony) A. and Anna M. (George) Kunkel. He was a native of Baltimore city and graduated from Patterson High School in 1947. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He left the military in 1952 and was hired by Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Sparrows Point, MD. He was a proud graduate of Dundalk Community College in 1975, where he obtained an associate degree. He worked his way up to General Foreman at Bethlehem Steel and retired in 1982.

He married his high school sweetheart, Henrietta C. Blische, in 1950. They settled and raised three boys in Dundalk, MD, living there for 42 years. He was a dedicated member of the community and the First Lutheran Church of Gray Manor. After his wife’s retirement from Baltimore County Public Schools in 1991, they moved to Sun City Center, FL where they lived for 14 years. They moved back to Bel Air, MD in 2005, and then moved to Oak Crest retirement community in 2014.

He enjoyed hunting, traveling, gardening, watching sports, especially the Orioles, the Baltimore Colts and now the Baltimore Ravens. His passion was helping his sons with home improvement projects, including basements, decks, and even an in-law suite. He dearly loved his grandchildren, watching them play sports, dance, and play in the band. He was especially proud to see them all graduate from high school and college and pursue their professional careers. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Henrietta Kunkel; his loving sons, Ronald A. and wife Debra of Glen Rock, PA, Randy S. and wife Virginia of Southport, NC; Robert W., Jr and wife Marianne of Bel Air, MD; and his treasured grandchildren, Scott A. Kunkel, Erica C., and husband Justin Dowell, Kristin L. and husband William Doherty, Lauren C. Kunkel, and Kurt R. Kunkel; and several dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathy Ann, grandchild Kevin Alan, sister Dorothy M. Snyder, and brothers John F. and Benjamin F. Kunkel.

Due to the pandemic and several family members working in healthcare, visitation and funeral services will be limited to immediate family. When it is safe for family and friends to gather, a celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Robert W. Kunkel, Sr. to your local SPCA or animal shelter.