Jeffrey L. Kunath

Jeff grew up in a big, close knit family, the kind that argued loudly, laughed even louder and always managed to pull each other through. He was preceded in death by his parents Mildred Rupert and Albert “Bing” Kunath and his siblings Jerry, Ronald, Sandra and Paul. He is survived by six siblings, Kenneth, Peter, Michael, Anne, Karen and Wendy, each of whom could tell their own story about Jeff’s loyalty, quick wit or a stubborn streak.

A 1970 graduate of St. Paul’s X High School, Jeff carried vivid memories of his Catholic upbringing and the nuns who helped keep a whole generation of Kunath kids in line. He loved to tell stories from those hallways, just as he did from his time in the United States Army as a military police officer.

Jeff made a home with his longtime partner, Loretta Kennedy, who was his constant companion, and the person that brought out the softest parts of him. He was the proud father of two sons, Joseph Kunath and Aaron Gladd. He would often say that raising his boys was the best and most important thing he ever did. Travis and Meghan Lund, who grew up next door and are part of Loretta’s family, were also deeply important to Jeff. He loved them as closely as if they were his own, and took pride in the role he played in their lives. He is also survived by many grandchildren whom he loved deeply and enjoyed every moment he could with them. His grandchildren are Joshua, Joseph, Jakkson, Aliyah, Connor, Carson and Sampson.

Jeff was funny, gregarious and a world class “B@!?” Buster in the most affectionate sense of the term. He loved catching up with friends over a cup of coffee, swapping stories and giving people a hard time in a comical way just to see them smile. He had a gift for making a simple conversation feel like old times.

At home, Jeff was happiest when tinkering with something, listening to music or putting music together for his family and friends with the care of a true curator. He loved his guns, his old movies, like war and westerns, as well as the TV shows he grew up with. He enjoyed his long walks up to Lake Colby, as well as fishing and hunting. He had a very deep connection and appreciation for wildlife of all kinds: even the species some dislike such as amphibians or reptiles. His knowledge of world history was unmatched by anyone. He treasured his home and the quiet routine that came with it. He believed deeply in choosing right over wrong, even when it was inconvenient. That, more than anything, defined him.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A celebration of life will take place at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Veterans Affairs Albany-Upstate office or towards anything that helps children. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

“I love you Dad, forever and always. Thank you for being you and teaching me how to be a good man and a good father. I will see you again one day, and until then, I love and miss you so much. I’ll never forget you or anything you taught me. Love, Joe and Aaron.”