It is with great sadness that we said good-bye to our beloved Walt on May 20, 2021. Husband to Judy, father of 4 sons, grandfather, friend to many, many people and respected dentist, Walt was born to Walter S. and Viola M. Kunisch in Passaic, New Jersey, on August 16, 1942. A "Jersey guy," Walt spent his early years riding horses competitively and working at the Jersey Shore family business. He graduated from Newark Academy, Temple University, and NYU College of Dentistry, class of 1971. Walt met Judy while they were health professional students in New York City. They had a loving and fun 52 years of marriage marked by wonderful adventures, hard work and support for one another in their careers, and of course raising 4 active sons. Following dental school Walt worked for the VA health system including caring for US prisoners of war returning from Vietnam. He taught at Harvard Dental School and enjoyed passing his skills along to the next generation of professionals. In 1976 Walt and Judy settled in West Hartford, CT, where he began 39 years of private practice. During this time, he was team dentist for the NHL Hartford Whalers and taught dental residents at St. Francis and Hartford hospitals. Walt was committed to his patients and if a person had a problem anytime day, night, or weekend, he went to the office to provide care. He always said, "Dental pain is one of the worst kinds of pain and it is my responsibility to care for my patients." Walt was a community volunteer and served as president of the Greater Hartford Rotary, 10 years a coach of the West Hartford Boys Soccer League, and with Boy Scout Troop 163. After retiring in 2015, Walt enjoyed most golfing and hunting with his sons and friends. He was known around town for his 1930 Model A Ford which he drove everywhere. He loved giving kids rides in the rumble seat and talking to anyone who asked about the car. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Peter Claver in West Hartford, and a member of Hartford Golf Club and Hole in the Wall Golf Club in Naples. Walt is survived by his wife, Judith (Roberts) of West Hartford and Naples, Walter H. jr., (Megan), Chanhassen, MN, Peter G. (Janine), Grand Junction, CO, Hans C. (Pinar), Los Angeles, CA, and Andrew M., Tampa, FL. He had 4 adored grandchildren: Nora, Ella, Isabelle, and Thomas. Walt's family wants to acknowledge the excellent medical and hospice care he received and especially thank the nurses and CNAs working bedside at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and The Chateau at Moorings Park, Naples. Funeral services will be held June 10 at St. Peter Claver in West Hartford. Donations in Walt's memory may be made to the Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park Conservancy, 1561 Asylum Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117. For online condolences, to share memories or light a candle, please visit Walt's Tribute at www.fullernaples.com. Made it to within an arm's length of Golden Pond!

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Published by Hartford Courant on May 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Kunisch

Sponsored by the family.

11 Entries

Jack Bergquist

May 15, 2024

I miss you Walt!!!

Jane campbell

April 24, 2023

Hard to envision a world without this splendid man. Sincerest regrets to his
Family!

Lew/Loretta Kulik

May 16, 2022

After about 1 year we still & will always miss our "Wally" and think & speak of him often...albeit he left a void, it has been partially filled with wonderful memories....taken too soon, but lived a good life with family & friends. RIP good friend

Jack Bergquist

May 15, 2022

I miss you Walt!!!

Ajmere Dale & family

June 9, 2021

Our deepest condolences and prayers to all family and friends of Mr. Walter Kunisch. He has left an enduring legacy and we hope you will find solace in your shared memories of his life. RIP Walter.

Stewart Kleinman

June 9, 2021

Walter was a very good friend for over 45 years. He was always there when I needed him. Whenever I would see him, he would always tell me a jokefunny or not! We might not have seen each other often, but when we did we always were able to pick right back up where we left off. I will always remember his smiling face.

Sandra Davis Flood. ( Sandy )

June 9, 2021

Judy, So, so sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always enjoyed seeing Walt at our Skidmore reunions and reminiscing about our days in New York. What a great guy.

Jack Bergquist

May 27, 2021

All one needs in this life is one really good friend and that is what Walt was to me. I am greatly saddened by his passing and will miss him tremendously!! I shall see you again in Heaven Walt where we continue our adventures. Francie and I send our deepest sympathy to Judy, JW, Hans, Peter and Andrew.

Lew & Loretta Kulik

May 26, 2021

Walt (a.k.a. “Wally”) will be missed by my wife, Loretta, and me every dayhe was my roommate in Dental School, as a result of which, he became my dear friend, colleague, fellow Rotarian, fellow Professor in Dental School, etc. He broadened my “only child” horizons (along with our other great roommate Bob), shared his great sense of humor, Frank Sinatra & Ray Charles albums, and soon to be favorite restaurant El Parador, and his infectious optimism about life. Due to the luck of alphabetical seats, we sat together in Dental Lecture halls, where we attempted to keep each other from sometimes dozing off
Fortunately, our families throughout the years shared some terrific happy memories and weddings. Walt visited us in Manhattan, Rye, and Las Vegas. We visited Hartford and even got to enjoy the Kentucky Derby Pie at the Golf Club.
If I had to write about my most unforgettable character, it would be Walt. He was the brother to me that I never had, and I will miss him! I just cannot imagine not hearing Wally calling me “pail” (I liked to eat) and “Uncle Lewy.”
Before his passing we understand that he told his family to look at the stars if they wanted to see him (he will be shining down on them) which reminds me of a quote from the late fellow Rotarian, Norman Vincent Peale, “one should always reach for the moonalthough you may missyou will be among the starsI believe that Wally IS there and that he is looking down from HeavenAMONG THE STARS!

Andy Pace

May 25, 2021

My parent and I were longtime patients of Dr K’s. First in Hartford and then we followed him to WH. He always hd a smile on his face and was so happy to see you. He would shake my hand and look me in the eye and ask about things we discussed 6 months earlier at the previous appointment. He really cared about his patients- their whole
Well being not just their dental issues. I admired him for that and is something I will always remember him for and his love for the Jersey shore. After retirement I’d see him at Whole Foods and our conversations would pick right back up again. My deepest condolences. This is such sad news

Alex Mayville

May 21, 2021

I knew Dr. Kunisch for many years as a kid and when I got older he helped me get a job at Hartford Golf and then hired me for a summer at his dental practice. He was really funny and always very kind to me. I enjoyed seeing him over the holidays and he seemed genuinely interested in me and my life. I’ll always remember that about him. He will be missed terribly and everyone who knew him, including his awesome family, is in my thoughts.

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