Thomas Kunkel

Thomas Christopher Kunkel, of Hopewell Junction, died peacefully on April 7th at the age of 66 following a long illness. He was born in Manhattan, New York on December 26, 1957. Tom was the son of the late Richard and Patricia Kunkel.
Tom grew up in the Town of Cortland, New York and attended Walter Panas High School. His collegiate years were spent at Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in Natural Resources. A gifted athlete, Tom played Lacrosse for MSU and was voted All Midwestern Lacrosse player. He had a great love for football. Some of the happiest years for him were coaching his son's Pop Warner football team. Tom forever rooted for the MSU Spartans. He was also an avid Jets fan, and always hoped he would see them win a Superbowl.
After college Tom worked for ConEdison followed by teaching asbestos abatement courses. He later became the Director of Environmental Conservation for the 5 boroughs of New York. Tom worked on many federal issues concerning air quality, water quality and emergency situations for the City of New York. Tom worked with New York governors and mayors on many NYC environmental issues. Tom was appointed Director of the Environmental Health and Safety Division of the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (Ground Zero). While in this position, he oversaw the removal of debris from the Twin Towers. In later years, Tom became an environmental consultant through his company Certified Environmental Consultant Services.
Tom looked forward to deer hunting season each year. He found such peace and pleasure sitting in the woods on a cold, snowy day, waiting for a deer to appear. Tom loved the bands from the classic rock and roll era, making a point to attend a concert at least once a year. Tom enjoyed smoking a cigar on the beach on the Jersey Shore. He made his yearly trip to Atlantic City to roll dice at the Craps table and play the Wheel of Fortune, always carrying his two lucky coins.
Tom married Amy (nee Laetz) in Cold Spring New York. They were married 41 years and blessed with two children, Tyler and Jessica whom he was very proud of. Tom is survived by his wife Amy, son Tyler (Nicole) Kunkel, daughter Jessica (Bill) Nazaar, grandchildren Harper and Sophia Kunkel, Liam and Drew Nazaar, all of whom he adored, brothers Matt, Robert, sister Janet, and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 on Saturday, April 13th at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1400 Route 52, Fishkill New York.
In lieu of flowers, Donations in Tom's memory may be made to Tunnels To Towers Foundation. T2T.org