Obituary of Kevin F. Cunniff
Kevin F. Cunniff, of Rockaway Twp. NJ, formerly of Plainfield, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. He was 76 years young.
Kevin was born in Glen Ridge, NJ to the late John H. and Genevieve Wickham Cunniff. He was raised in Belmar, NJ, attended St. Rose Grammar and High School before graduating from St. Peter University, Jersey City, NJ with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics. Kevin was devoted to science and had a successful career as an Engineer and Physicist. A patented expert in Silicon Integrated Circuits, Kevin shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor at Drexel University, PA. Kevin was very proud for his scientific accomplishments, working at RCA and Bells Labs. His role as technical expert in public relations provided a career hosting many dignitaries from all over the world to explain the latest technologies being developed at Bell Labs. He retired at age 62 from Bell Labs, Murray Hill NJ, as a Member of the Technical Staff.
Kevin was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Mary’s Parish, Plainfield, NJ and later, St. Catherine of Sienna, in Mountain Lakes, NJ. While at St. Mary’s, he was a Boy Scout Leader, member of Knights of Columbus Council #552, Basketball Coach and kitchen steward for all parish dinners. Both church choirs were privileged with his baritone vocals.
Kevin was generous, kind and caring with a sense of servitude for those in need. He proudly served many years as a Board Member for the Association for the Multiple-Impaired Blind (AIMB) and the United Family and Children's Society. Kevin, his pre-deceased wife Eileen, and many friends started the Starfish, INC. Food Pantry in 1971 in the basement of their home.
A Guididas Golf Club Member, Kevin was one of the best golfers with 2 hole-in-ones. He was a sought after partner for many golf leagues and tournaments.
A passionate gardener, he and his later wife Doris shared their love of flowers as award winning members of the Dahlia Society, the Chrysanthemum Society, and the African Violet Society of America. Doris continued to encourage his love of flowers while devotedly caring for him during a long illness.
Kevin was a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather, and friend that has left us with a legacy of compassion, laughter, and true love that will remain with us for an eternity.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years, Eileen Mount, he leaves only joyful memories to his endearing wife of 7 ½ years, Doris Waldron; his loving children, Kathleen M. Nitzsche and her husband Paul of Plainfield, Timothy K. Cunniff and his wife Stacy of New Hampshire, and Matthew K. Cunniff and his wife Lisa of Maryland; his caring step-children, Frederick Treslar and his wife Sandra and Heather Slover and her husband Joseph; his treasured grandchildren, Michael, Genevieve, Frank, Hope, Sam, and Bill; his cherished step-grandchildren, Brodin, Catherine, Kristin, Jessica, Brianna, Jenna, and Tye; his dear siblings, Declan Cunniff and his wife Mary Pat, Anne Wilkins and her husband Cliff, Mary Furlong and her husband Jim; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 11 am at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 10 N. Pocono Rd, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046. Friends and family are welcome to meet at the church earlier for an informal gathering prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, please donate to United Family and Children's Society by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a condolence and special memory for his family.
