Kunisch, Walter H.
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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