Benjamin Kuntz

Benjamin Kuntz

AGE: 76 • Smyrna, DE

On January 10, 2015 Benjamin Phillip Kuntz passed away gently and peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lancaster, PA to the late Benjamin D. Kuntz and Lillian Burdess Kuntz.

Ben was the eldest of three sons. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine Willadsen Kuntz; son, Jeffrey Kuntz (Megan); daughter Kara Stefancik and son-in-law Brian Stefancik; grandchildren: Evan and Lily Kuntz, Andy and Adam Stefancik, Patrick McDowell and brothers David and James Kuntz.

Upon graduating from McCaskey High School, Ben entered the Air Force where he served honorably for six years. He was a graduate of Penn State and Drexel Universities.

Ben began his 30-year career in 1962 with the duPont Company in the Engineering Department located in Newark, Delaware, and later transferred to the General Service Office Buildings Division, Wilmington site. He was Project Manager responsible for building the Louviers Corporate Data Center, Manager of the Louviers Engineering Facility and Facilities Manager for the Wilmington Office Buildings.

Following his retirement, Ben earned his Commercial Realtor license at which time he started his own consulting business, Facilities Management Services. In 2006 he was pleased to join Patterson & Woods Associates where he headed up the Property Management Department. For the last 8 years, Ben very much enjoyed working with the fine people at Union Hospital of Cecil County, Md. as their Facilities Management Consultant.

In 2012, Ben led a successful campaign to re-elect Senator Dave Lawson and helped organize a Political Action Committee to support conservative viewpoints in local elections in northern Kent and lower New Castle Counties.

Ben's strong organizational skills and perspectives were much sought after in areas outside the political arena. He and a group of other concerned citizens formed and ad hoc committee, HARP (Homeowners' Association Resolving Problems) working closely with Kent County Levy Court and the State Legislature. This effort led to the development and implementation of the Kent County Storm Water Maintenance District. He was currently working on a program that would enable the County to assume responsibility for the collection of Homeowner Association Fees. He also served on the Board of Directors of Spring Meadow Community with responsibility for all State and County HOA programs, policies and regulations.

In Ben's free time, there was nothing he enjoyed more than being outdoors. He was on the U.S. Air Force Swim team, a marathon runner, tennis player, golfer, hunter and fisherman. Ben was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. Polycarp Catholic Church. His life reflected his deep love and dedication to God, Family and Country. Ben had the mind of an engineer and the heart of a servant - always putting other first, but last to take credit. He was the most humble of men.

Ben Kuntz will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him as a thoughtful, loving and kind gentleman, husband, father, and friend.

A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 PM Monday January 19 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11:00 AM Tuesday Jan. 20 at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, Ransom Lane and South St., Smyrna.

Burial with military honors will be 11:00 AM Wednesday January 21 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Newark.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to either Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19713 or Food for the Poor Headquarters, 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com.

Arrangements by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.