John Norman Kunnen

John Kunnen, 71, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on February 6, 2026, after a courageous eleven year battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Clearwater, John was born on January 3, 1955, to Frank C. Kunnen, Jr. and Laura Lou Jahn Kunnen. His mother was a tennis icon in the 1950s, and John proudly followed in her footsteps with a lifelong love for the game.

John attended St. Cecelia Elementary School and Clearwater High School, where he starred both as a quarterback for the football team and as a tennis player. Before heading to college, John was the number one ranked junior tennis player (18 and under) in the State of Florida and won the USTA Florida State title in 1972. He accepted a full four year scholarship to play for the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. During his time as a Gator, John won 1st place in the SEC Championships in 1975, 1976, and 1977, and was voted All SEC three times. Upon graduation, John was awarded the prestigious Doug Belden Award, given to the most outstanding male student athlete scholar, an honor that made the Gator Nation proud.

Following his time at UF, John became a leader in the construction industry. He was instrumental in developing the family business, serving as Vice President of Big K Construction and as President of John Kunnen and Associates.

Above all, John was known for his character. He was a genuinely good person who earned the love and respect of everyone he met. He was a loyal friend to many, and people simply loved being around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank C. Kunnen, Jr. and Laura Lou Jahn Kunnen; his wives, Sue Kunnen and Ann Kunnen; and his brother, Guy Kunnen.

John is survived by his two daughters, Julie and Jackie (Mike); and his three grandsons, Banks, Weston, and Colson. He is also survived by his siblings: Frank C. Kunnen, III “Chip” (Anita), Dennis G. Kunnen (Bernadette), Michael A. Kunnen (Jenifer), Laura L. Lyons “Candi” (Doug), and William T. Kunnen; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida. In honor of John’s Gator spirit, the family invites those attending the visitation to wear orange or blue to celebrate his life.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater, Florida. Following the mass, John will be laid to rest at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.

A celebration of life will be held at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa directly after the committal service at Sylvan Abbey on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 105 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, Florida.

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