Emery Leon Kunzman, Jr

Emery is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Jo, and his daughters, Kelly and Kara (Brandon Yu). He was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and Emery Leon Kunzman Sr. Emery had a large, blended family spread across many cities and states. He adored his nieces and nephews, and especially his siblings, Butch Duffy (Joyce), and Eric Kunzman (Laurie), Eileen Duffy, Janice Kunzman, and Joyce Kunzman. Emery also treated Mary Jo’s family as his own. The Pietro’s welcomed him with open arms and appreciated him as a cornerstone of their family.

Emery was born and raised in Miami. A true Floridian to the core. He graduated from Chaminade Madonna in 1973 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Criminology from The Florida State University in 1977. He was the biggest Seminole fan you ever met. 

Emery married Mary Jo in June 1989. The two could not have been more different. Emery balanced Mary Jo out, she always kept him on his toes. They met at Shooters night club when Emery was wearing navy blue flare Sansabelt pants with gold buttons and Mary Jo had teased hair and big dance moves. Their relationship was very full, full of fun, friends, laughter and memories to remember forever. Emery and Mary Jo shared a love of travel. Emery spent weeks traveling around Europe when he was right out of high school, he still loved to go through his old photos and talk about each of the special places he visited. For their 10-year wedding anniversary, it was Emery’s idea to take Mary Jo’s family to Italy. They drank red wine and danced in Italian castles. They were blessed throughout the years to travel with the girls around the world. In their many years together, Mary Jo took great care of Emery, and for that he would always be thankful.

Being a father was Emery’s greatest achievement in life. His two daughters, Kelly, his twin, and Kara, his little one, were his pride and joy. Some men are born to be “girl dads,” that was Emery. He was sentimental, kind, soft, and warm. He cried reading every single card he ever received for his birthday or Father's Day. Tissues were always at the ready. When the girls were younger, Emery would drive them to school every day. It was a running joke within the car-line regulars that no one wanted to get stuck behind him in line. They called him “Slow Man” because he would take his time, get out of the car, hug and kiss both Kelly and Kara and wish them well on their way into school. He did this every day. For seventeen years Emery was Chief Red Panther of the Catawba tribe with a program previously called “Indian Princess.” He would take the girls on a camping trip with other fathers and daughters every month to sit around the campfire and make memories. Throughout the years, those were the moments he loved to reminisce on.

For over 40 years, Emery was an Insurance Adjuster. He started his career with CJW and spent a few years working in St. Croix. He loved to tell stories about his island life. He went on to serve as Executive Vice President of Peninsula Insurance Bureau since 1995 with his business partner and friend, Jose Palacios. They worked to grow the company to be bigger than either of them ever imagined. Emery was smart, very smart, he knew his stuff, but the last decade or so he was a true personality in the industry and at PIB. He was a mentor to young people he hired and trained, he was a source of answers to those who had questions, and he was really great at taking people out to dinner and drinks. He loved to schmooze over a steak and an expensive bottle of red wine.

Emery always saw the good in the world. He was extremely optimistic and treated every single person he met with the same respect and attention. He could talk to anyone, whoever sat next to him at the bar was bound to become a friend. There was always a fun fact he could throw out and then he would make you double check with google. He was almost always right. Must have been all the jeopardy he watched. He loved learning about history, he was always watching shows like Antique Roadshow, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars. Once he watched 448 episodes with subtitles of a Turkish historical fiction show called Ertugrul. His favorite thing of all was Florida State Football. After graduating he spent the rest of his life wearing garnet and gold. There was no other option for where his girls would end up for college. The Kunzman family were regulars at FSU football games and took so many trips to Tallahassee they all blended together. Everyone who knew Emery knew about his Tiki Hut in the backyard. So many nights were spent cheering on or crying over the Seminoles. His favorite seat was right in the middle, he could swivel 360 around in his chair and talk to everyone around the bar. His buddies George and Kenny were usually right there next to him.

The world is not as bright without him. He lived life with no regrets. He will truly be missed by all. Especially Tommy Bahama. They just lost their biggest client.

Personally, my father was the greatest person I have ever met. I know everyone says that about their dad, but I really, truly, believe it. My whole life everyone has told me how much I look like him - our freckled skin, our same dark blue eyes, our big rosy cheeks when we smile. Our birthdays are even one day apart. We also act alike - reserved in certain situations, talkative in others, we crave knowledge and love to read, we always need AC, we enjoy wearing expensive clothes and gold jewelry, we're always the first to cry during an emotional moment, and like to end the night with a sweet treat. I’ll never be able to look in the mirror without thinking of him. That breaks my heart, but also gives me solace. He will always be with me because I am him, he is a part of me. I am thankful to have gotten to have him in my life for 33 years. I am mad there is not another 33 ahead of us. But I know his life was full. I know he was happy. I know he was grateful for all of his blessings every day. So, I will continue to be grateful for all of the blessings that he gave me.

Visitation will be held at Horizon Funeral & Cremation on Thursday, July 11th from 4pm - 8pm. We encourage everyone to wear either Florida State gear or Tommy Bahama. The funeral mass will be at 4pm at St. Ambrose Catholic Church and celebrations to follow at Packy's in LHP.