Dwain H. Caunitz, 52, of Schenectady
Dwain H. Caunitz, 52, of Schenectady, N.Y., formerly of Kingston, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Albany Medical Center. Born March 26, 1964, in Kingston, he was the son of the late Dwain and Florence “Peachie” (Rougier) Caunitz.
Dwain was a graduate of Kingston High School, Class of 1982. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army, serving from 1982 until 1986. He was employed by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a corrections officer for 28 years, and serving as a supervisor at the rank of corporal. He was the recipient of the Military Service Medal, Excellent Duty Citation, Years of Service Award for Good Conduct and the Unit Citation for Woodstock ’94 Detail. He was an original member of the Corrections Emergency Response Team, a member of the Ulster County K-9 training group, Upstate K-9 Association, a life member of COBA and past Vice President of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Employee Association. Dwain retired from the Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections K-9 officer in September of 2016. In his spare time, he enjoyed coaching at the Kingston National Little League.
Surviving are his wife, Vesta Caunitz; his children, Brady Caunitz, Alexa Caunitz, Lesya Zaichenko and Diana Zaichenko; his sister, Kim Caunitz; his lifelong friends, Cheryl, Kyle and Yvonne; and his K-9 partner, Jagger. Many uncles and cousins also survive.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc., 27 Smith Ave., Kingston (www.jvleahyfh.com). Friends will be received at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. A funeral procession will form Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers may be made in the form of contributions to the Ulster County Sheriff’s PBA (in memo section of check please include U/C Canine), 380 Boulevard, Kingston, N.Y., 12401. Dwain’s family would like to thank the staff of the Albany Medical Center’s Oncology East Wing, D-4, for the care and compassion shown during his time there.