Gerald E. Kunkle of Indiana, PA, formerly of New Kensington, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 at the UPMC Mercy Hospital after a sudden brief illness.
Gerald, the son of Wesley Arthur and Martha Jane (Cooper) Kunkle, was born on May 21, 1923 in Vandergrift, PA.
On May 4, 1946, Gerald married the love of his life, Helen Virginia Myers, his cherished wife of 68 years. Together they raised a loving and close family who were with him at his passing.
Gerald graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1944. A Corporate Research Fellow, he retired from PPG Industries after 45 years in glass research and held numerous patents.
Gerald is survived by his devoted children and their families: Karen (George) Evans of Indiana, PA and their children: Douglas (Jenna) Evans, Sarah (Chad) Stacy, Jonathan (Kelly) Evans, and Christopher (Robyn) Evans; Daniel (Kathy) Kunkle of Home, PA and their children: Isabel Kunkle and Emily (Ben) Gell; Jane Balcer (former husband Dave) of Madisonville, LA and their children: Graham (Darcy) Balcer, Laurel (Chad) Favre, and Seth (Kelly) Balcer; Charles (Carol) Kunkle of Myrtle Beach, SC and their children: Arthur (Kristina) Kunkle, Catherine (Nicholas) Hagandora, and Anne Kunkle; John (Tammy) Kunkle of Martinsburg, WV and their children: Timothy (Kristin) Kunkle and Christine Kunkle. Gerald was also blessed with twenty great-grandchildren: Benjamin Evans; Carter, Quinn, Arden, and Marian Stacy; Alexander, Rachelle, and Nathan Evans; Wyatt, Isaac, and Henry Evans; Felix Gell; Amelia and Julian Balcer; Liam and Sarah Helen Favre; Lillian Kunkle; Rylie, Amelia and Evelyn Hagandora. Also surviving Gerald are sister-in-law Janet (Bob) Camel, brother-in-law Richard Flinn and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 2014, his sister Margaret McGary and his twin sister Geraldine Snyder.
The family is thankful for the faithful companionship Gerald enjoyed with Brenda and Larry Golinsky, and with his other special companions who were with him in his final years.
The family celebrates that Gerald and Helen are now reunited for eternity, wrapped in the arms of their loving God.
A lifelong Presbyterian, Gerald was a member of Washington Church in Home, PA where a memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
Memorial gifts may be made to Washington Church, c/o Barbara Lavan, Treasurer, 1082 Houser Rd., Home, PA 15747.
Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA entrusted with arrangements.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest registry or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfh-monuments. com
