1931
Howard
2023
Howard F. Schunk
March 21, 1931 — April 12, 2023
Howard F. Schunk, 92, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2023.
Howard was born on March 21, 2031 in Waldwick, NJ, a son of the late Charles and Frances (Deichelman) Schunk and was raised in near-by Perth Amboy.
As a young man, Howard joined the US Airforce and was stationed at Westover Airbase during the Korean War, where he met his wife, June at a USO dance. He completed his service and went on to serve an additional 8 years in the US Airforce Reserves while beginning his life-long tendency to work at least two jobs at a time. Howard was old-school.He settled in Springfield Massachusetts and worked for various places such as More Drop Forge and Smith And Wesson before joining the US Postal Service, from which he would retire after a successful career as a dispatcher of the Springfield Bulk Mail Center. Howard also had a 30 year part-time career as an armed guard for Brinks Security. This was a job and responsibility he took seriously and led to years of active involvement in shooting clubs and competitions. Howard could be an imposing figure at 6'4" and proudly kept to his no-nonsense approach. He was a patriot and prolific blood donor. His work ethic was impressive and he worked hard to provide for his family of 5 in a way that honored and vastly surpassed his very humble roots in New Jersey.
A dedicated father of five, he enjoyed a wonderful retirement in Brooksville, FL with his wife June, and they traveled throughout the United States as active members of the Good Sam club exploring for many miles in their RV. They made many friends along the way, embracing the tradition of family camping. Starting with a moldy military surplus tent in the 50's, Howard built his own tow-a-long trailer by hand from the ground up, including a full camp kitchen for June, and ended his adventure by piloting his 30' RV all over the country. A faithful and wonderful husband, Howard cared for and shared his life with his wife from 1953 until her passing fourteen years to the month of his own.
He is survived by his children: Paul Schunk (Susan) of Derry, NH, Alan Archer (Kristie) of Pelham, NH, Mark Archer and his partner Mary Jane Eustace of Springfield, MA and Susan DiDonoto (Greg) of Bristol, CT; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Howard’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net
In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association, and the wonderful folks at Wernick Adult Day Care, JGS Lifecare and Baystate Hospice that provide such caring and helpful services to those in need locally.
Howard was born on March 21, 2031 in Waldwick, NJ, a son of the late Charles and Frances (Deichelman) Schunk and was raised in near-by Perth Amboy.
As a young man, Howard joined the US Airforce and was stationed at Westover Airbase during the Korean War, where he met his wife, June at a USO dance. He completed his service and went on to serve an additional 8 years in the US Airforce Reserves while beginning his life-long tendency to work at least two jobs at a time. Howard was old-school.He settled in Springfield Massachusetts and worked for various places such as More Drop Forge and Smith And Wesson before joining the US Postal Service, from which he would retire after a successful career as a dispatcher of the Springfield Bulk Mail Center. Howard also had a 30 year part-time career as an armed guard for Brinks Security. This was a job and responsibility he took seriously and led to years of active involvement in shooting clubs and competitions. Howard could be an imposing figure at 6'4" and proudly kept to his no-nonsense approach. He was a patriot and prolific blood donor. His work ethic was impressive and he worked hard to provide for his family of 5 in a way that honored and vastly surpassed his very humble roots in New Jersey.
A dedicated father of five, he enjoyed a wonderful retirement in Brooksville, FL with his wife June, and they traveled throughout the United States as active members of the Good Sam club exploring for many miles in their RV. They made many friends along the way, embracing the tradition of family camping. Starting with a moldy military surplus tent in the 50's, Howard built his own tow-a-long trailer by hand from the ground up, including a full camp kitchen for June, and ended his adventure by piloting his 30' RV all over the country. A faithful and wonderful husband, Howard cared for and shared his life with his wife from 1953 until her passing fourteen years to the month of his own.
He is survived by his children: Paul Schunk (Susan) of Derry, NH, Alan Archer (Kristie) of Pelham, NH, Mark Archer and his partner Mary Jane Eustace of Springfield, MA and Susan DiDonoto (Greg) of Bristol, CT; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Howard’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net
In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association, and the wonderful folks at Wernick Adult Day Care, JGS Lifecare and Baystate Hospice that provide such caring and helpful services to those in need locally.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard F. Schunk, please visit our flower store.
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