Vernon E. Kunkle

Vernon E Kunkle, 78, of Burghill, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, at St. Joseph Health Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Youngstown on May 22, 1946, the son of Vernon A. (Mike) Kunkle and Annabelle Rickard Kunkle.

He was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and a U. S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following his service in Vietnam, he became a career firefighter at the Youngstown Air Force Reserve Station in Vienna.  He retired in 2001 as the Fire Chief.

Vernon was married to his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Catello Kunkle on April 27, 1974 and enjoyed 42 years of marriage until her passing in 2016

In his younger years he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. In his later years he served as a patron to nature groups and enjoyed a simpler and quieter lifestyle.

Vernon is survived by two sons, Michael (Sophia) Kunkle of Poland and Jeffrey Kunkle and his partner Emily Lorent of Kinsman; two grandchildren, Louie and Katie Kunkle; a sister, Pat Kunkle, of Youngstown; a brother, Michael Kunkle of Austintown; and two brother-in-laws, Mark (Sandy) Catello and Wayne Cotello.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Kathleen.

In keeping with Vernon’s wishes, there will be no public services. But his family wishes to thank all of his friends and acquaintances within the community for their care and support now and throughout his lifetime.

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