Walter Alfred Kunze, passed away at the age 73 on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, surrounded by his loved ones at West Valley Hospital in Goodyear, Arizona. Walter was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, beloved grandfather and uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. Walter was born on December 15, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, son of Herbert and Gertrude Kunze, recent immigrants from Germany.
He attended Danbury High, graduating with Honors in 1957 and became a star golfer on the school’s team. In 1962 he graduated with a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Bridgeport, known at the time for having one of the finest programs in the US in this specific field. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army from 1963-1966.
In 1963, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following boot camp he was assigned to Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, TX, where he served as a military policeman. While at Ft. Bliss, Walter met his future wife, Maria. In 1966 they married and settled in Danbury, Connecticut, following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.
Walter and his wife Maria resided in Connecticut, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Arizona, working at a number of companies including General Electric, Citiservices, Alcoa, Fesco, Waterbury Companies and Antec. He was a brilliant design engineer and a large portion of his career focused on designing innovative products for the home. Many Americans use these items daily in their homes today. He also designed our country’s commemorative button for the Statue of Liberty’s 200th anniversary celebration.
Walter is survived by his wife Maria Kunze, three children and their spouses, Sandra and Ronald Cavallaro, Ronald Kunze and Michael and Robyn Kunze, his younger brother and spouse, Arthur and Joanne Kunze. Walter is also survived by three grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Above all, Walter was a devoted family man. In addition to family, his interests included - golf, gardening, UConn basketball, stock market trading and politics. He was also a talented painter and bird lover.
He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Gertrude Kunze.
Donations in his honor can be made to the following organizations -the American Cancer Society, Tolleson Senior Center, the American Heart Association and the Desert Botanical Gardens. Under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel, Goodyear, AZ.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6