Jay Kunaszuk, We’ll Miss You

Jay Kunaszuk, We’ll Miss You

2/27/2024

By Brian Coll

News travels fast in a small borough. Sad news seems to spread even faster. There was a sad buzz that went through Conshohocken and beyond this past Saturday. People who have been here for a while would turn to each other with a sad look in their eye asking each other if you heard about Jay.

My parents and I were talking about Jay Sunday morning and we all seemed to agree that you wouldn’t find too many people in our community that cared about their family or community more than Jay. If you take a minute and read the official obituary below you will see a dedicated community volunteer. He was always there to lend a hand. He served our country and community with honor and we thank you.

We’ll miss your visits to our frame shop, seeing you at a Saint Mary’s function or just enjoying life here in Conshohocken.

We’re going to post a photo or two here of Jay (yes he is one of the masked men).

Here is the official obituary and information on his services.

Obituary for John Joseph Kunaszuk

John Joseph “Jay” Kunaszuk, age 72 of Conshohocken, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Jay was born on Thursday, October 11, 1951, son of the late John “Murph” Sr. and Sophia B. (Lesh) Kunaszuk. Jay was the beloved husband of Rose Marie (Eckert) Kunaszuk for 42 years.

Jay grew up on W. 11th Ave. in Conshohocken. He attended St. Mary RC Church and grade school. He also attended St. Matthew High School and graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Class of 1969. Jay served his country honorably as a Vietnam Veteran serving as a medic in the Army. He was employed by John Wood Tank Co. in Conshohocken up until it closed. He then became the owner/operator of Kunaszuk Lawn Maintenance. Jay proudly served the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the honor guard, was a senior member of the Board of the T. K. Club, and a dedicated CCD teacher for over 30 years.

In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by his children – Alexandra (Jason) Catania, Jayne Suchora, James (Alexis) Kunaszuk, and Orion (Gabe) Garcia. Jay was Dziadziu to Jed, Chloe, Charlie, Sofia, Sam, Andrew, Madeline, Alexander, Ivy, and Rosie. He is also survived by his brother David Kunaszuk, mother-in-law Rose Marie Berkezchuk, many nieces, nephews and cousins, including his nephew David and niece Erin and multitudes of other family and friends.

Jay and Rose Marie had a love for each other that was rare and palpable. Together with love and strong Christian values, Jay and Ro planted their flag on West 7th Ave. creating a family and a legacy that extended far beyond their biological family.

Jay enjoyed cooking Sunday dinner for his family, fine cigars with the Tuesday night gang, traveling to his home in the Adirondacks, his grandchildren, trout fishing with his cousin Walt, country line dancing, good german beers, and his infamous “Fried Dough Fridays”.

Whether it was Easter baskets for less fortunate children, Christmas dinners for needy families, or preparing his weekly Lenten meals for the homeless, Jay was happiest when he was doing for others. The amount of lives and hearts he touched in his lifetime was tremendous. A professional grocery shopper, he never left the house without coupons and knowing where the best sales were. Jay was proud of his hometown and you could find him at any given time at the TK Club, VFW, or Conshy Bakery having a cold beer and laughs with friends. Never without a smile on his face, Jay could always be counted on for anything, any time. More than anything else in life, Jay loved spending time with his wife and children and will be hugely missed by all, especially the Sunday dinner crew.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects on Thursday evening, February 29th from 6:30 to 8:30PM at the William A. Moore Funeral Home, 708 Fayette St., Conshohocken or on Friday morning, March 1st from 9:30 to10:50AM in St. Philip Neri RC Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. Mass will commence at 11AM in the church. Internment, St. Benedict Cemetery in Conshohocken.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Conshohocken VFW; 300 E. 5th Ave., Conshohocken, PA 19428 or the Missionary Sisters of Charity; 630 Dekalb St., Norristown, PA 19401.