Kenneth W. Tunnell

1929 - 2015

Kenneth W. Tunnell of West Chester, Pa, Kenneth W. Tunnell passed away Friday, October 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on April 27, 1929. He attended the Episcopal Academy, where his involvement in track and glee club began lifelong passions for fitness and singing. His 1947 EA senior yearbook noted his loyalty, perseverance and humor, traits that were evident throughout his lifetime in his personal, spiritual and professional relationships. Ken’s years at Cornell University included active participation in Chi Psi and AROTC, leadership roles chairing the Interfraternity Council and Alumni Council and managing crew teams. He was elected to the Sphinx Head Society and the Senior Class and Alumni Councils. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Economics, lifelong friends, and a twinkle in his eye named Joanne Huntington, his love and future wife. Ken served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force assigned to the NSA in Washington, D.C. and in the Air Force Reserve. He founded and for 26 years successfully ran the K.W. Tunnell Company, a management consulting firm that celebrated its’ 50th Anniversary in 2012. He retired in 1988 to continue giving back to his community, playing golf and tennis, traveling the world with Joanne and friends, and visiting his five children and 11 grandchildren. Ken gave everything 110%. His strong faith, values, energy and interest in serving others kept him active in the community throughout his career and in retirement. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saints Peter and Paul Church, as a Trustee for The Episcopal Academy, Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America and the Chester County Community Foundation, and as President of his village at Hershey’s Mill. Despite battling Alzheimer’s disease, he continued to love his family, appreciate those around him, and savor great music, a tasty meal, and the sun on his face. He deeply touched countless lives with his boundless spirit, perseverance, humor and grace right up until his final breath. Ken is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Joanne, and his five children Pamela, Kathleen, Peter, Ken and Jeanne; their spouses Steve, Gary, Louise, Suzanne and Doug; his 11 grandchildren Alec, William, Nick, Ian, Acacia, Ryan, Sarah, Will, Kelsey, Cameron and Leah; his sister-in-law Helshi; and his nieces and nephews John, Mark, Tracy, Wendy, Jan, Kate, Bertram, Tory and Charlie. He was predeceased by his mother Margaret M. Tunnell, father Bertram A. Tunnell, Sr. and brother Bertram A. Tunnell, Jr. A Funeral Mass celebration will be held on Friday, Oct. 16 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1325 E. Boot Rd., West Chester, PA 19380; with visitation starting at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter at 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia PA 19106 and/or the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America at 504 South Concord Rd., West Chester PA 19382. Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.