Kuntz, Howard C.
May 16, 1927 – August 23, 2017
Howard passed to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens on August 23, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Susan Fee Kuntz; devoted daughters Diane Walters (Philip), Joanne Fessel (David), Carolanne Kuntz-Azan (Alejandro); 5 grandchildren Jason, Michael, Cheryl, Jennifer, and Heather; and four great-grandchildren Jordan, Brianna, Maelie, and Ronan. Howard enjoyed a long career with the New York Telephone Company where he was employed for 37 years. He began as a telephone repair person and over the years worked his way up through management eventually becoming responsible for coin phone repair in Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Howard had an eye for system improvement and design. During his time at "New York Tel," he invented telephone test equipment that was put into service but was never given credit by name because it was invented on "company time." In addition, he spent one year with Bell Laboratories traveling around the United States gathering and analyzing data about company efficiencies. Howard enjoyed his career and his many friends from "the Telephone Company."
During WWII, Howard served in the 42 Infantry Division of the United States Army. He was stationed in Austria and Germany. Howard was an avid boater and when he was not working he could frequently be found spending time with family and friends aboard his boat "The Nice and EZ." Howard was a member of the Great South Bay Power Squadron and Amityville Yacht Club on Long Island and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, in Homosassa, Florida.
Howard was an active Mason for 68 years and frequently participated in their charitable causes. He was a Past Master of Queens Village Lodge #1046. Howard was also a member of the Shriners of Egypt Temple and the Scottish Rite.
After retiring and moving from Farmingdale, New York to Homosassa, Florida Howard continued to be active in his community. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Homosassa and also the West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693. He was also a member of the Sugarmill Woods Country Club.
Howard, or "Howie" as his many friends called him, was also known as "Mr. Fix-It," because he was always there to lend a hand when something needed to be repaired. His specialty was communication equipment and he voluntarily installed and maintained several audio systems for non-profit organizations in the area. Howard was recognized for his generous service to the community with the Volunteer of the Year Award, in 2005.
Friends and family are invited to come together to celebrate Howards life on October 21, 2017 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church of Homosassa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Howards favorite charities, The . The address is Donor Relations, for Children , 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa Florida 33607.
Private cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home and Crematory in Lecanto, FL. Burial took place at the Florida National Cemetery.
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Published in Citrus County Chronicle on Sept. 16, 2017
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