Daniel Schunke

Daniel Michael Schunke of Stuart’s Draft, VA passed away with dignity and love on July 30th, 2021, at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy of love, adventure and laughter. Dan was born on October 17th, 1928 in Buffalo, New York where he grew up and graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. He served in the US Army at the end of World War II, where he was active with the 752nd Tank Battalion Occupation Forces in Italy and was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal. He began a successful career in the Magnet Wire Division of Westinghouse in Buffalo, NY and transferred to Abingdon, VA in 1971, whereby he resided in Bristol, VA. He was recognized as Engineer of the Year in 1978. He retired in 1992 and moved to Stuart’s Draft, VA to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. His passion for the outdoors was reflected in his work maintaining the Appalachian Trail through his role as Trail Master for a group of volunteers with the Mount Roger’s Appalachian Trail Club in Southwest Virginia. Prior to his trail work, he helped found and build the Sitzmarker Ski Club in Colden, New York. He pursued his love of skiing upon retirement and enjoyed many winters with his wife Betty, skiing and working in the Rocky Mountains at the Santa Fe Ski Area in New Mexico and the Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado. Gardening was also important in his life and many have enjoyed the bright-colored blossoms in Dan’s yard and vegetables from his garden. He was preceded in death by Sally Lazarus Schunke, mother of Neil and Jolie Schunke; and siblings Millicent, John and Evangeline. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Elizabeth (Betty) A. Schunke; daughters Jolie Schunke of Himachal Pradesh, India, Lynne Drakos of Colorado and Cheryl (Morris Pena) of Texas; sons Neil (Mary) Schunke of North Carolina and John (Cindy) Murphy of New Jersey; grandchildren Peter Cirina, Shannon Cirina Kozo, Sally Marie Schunke, Stephen Murphy, Angel Schunke, James Schunke, Zachary Schunke and Skylar Drakos; 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services are being arranged at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesboro, VA. Arrangements entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.