Charles J. Kouneski

SEVEN VALLEYS Charles J. Kouneski, 61, died of natural causes Sunday, May 24, 2009 at his home. He was the husband of Rita G. (Hollie) Kouneski, with whom he celebrated a 18th wedding anniversary on September 15, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the "Little Church" of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 315 N Constitution Ave., New Freedom with the Rev. Fr. Sylvan Capitani, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Seven Valleys. A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Geiple Funeral Home, Inc., 53 Main Street, Glen Rock. Mr. Kouneski was born on July 12, 1947 in Baltimore, Md., a son of the late Julius J. and Amelia A. (Mattelvitz) Kouneski. He was employed as truck driver for over 17 years with J.B. Hunt Transport, driving under contract for C & S Foods out of North East Md. and has received many safe driving awards, including the Million Mile Safe Driver Award from J.B. Hunt Transport. Prior to that, he was a plant manager for Glass Vial, Inc. in Baltimore, Md. for over 20 years. He was U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and was a life member of the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Club. Charles also is survived by five children, Charles J. "Chip" Kouneski Jr. of York, Michael J. Kouneski and his wife Dawn of Baltimore, Md., Karen L. Kouneski of Catonsville, Md., Carrie A. Wheeler and her husband Moe of Baltimore, Md. and Tracy M. Kouneski of Seven Valleys; three grandchildren, Kirsten Delacruz, Michelle Kouneski and Ethan Wheeler; a sister, Anna A. Meyers of Baltimore, Md.; two brothers, Jules A. "Sonny" Kouneski, of Eastern Shore, Md. and Joseph P. Kouneski of Baltimore, Md.; and by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17406; or to the Jefferson Sportsmen's Association, P.O. Box 54, Codorus PA 17311.