David Oliver Cunkelman, 71, of East Petersburg, formerly of Murrysville, PA, ended his valiant nine-year battle with blood cancer on Sunday, September 22, 2024, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side.
David was the second child and first son of Oliver and Susan (Dunlap) Cunkelman, born on August 3, 1953, in Latrobe, PA. He graduated from Blairsville High School, Class of 1971, where he was a wrestler and played the drums.
For 46 years, through his employment with Dietrich Industries, Inc. and later ClarkDietrich Building Systems, he devoted his career to the structural steel business, creating many connections and friendships throughout the country and the world.
An avid hunter, race fan and Steeler fan, David was also a proud member of the Acacia Lodge # 355 F&AM, Blairsville and Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh. For a time in his life, he was actively involved in the Big Brother and Big Sister program of Pittsburgh.
All this being said, David’s most proud accomplishment was being a father to his only daughter, Lauren. He never missed a special event, recital or game and was the first to call himself her biggest fan. He also greatly enjoyed supporting his special nieces and nephews, wherever their hard work took them.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Terry (Groft) Cunkelman of Blairsville/Murrysville/East Petersburg, PA, his daughter, Lauren (Cunkelman) Ede and her husband, Benjamin of Atglen; his grand puppies, Roscoe and RosaMarie; two sisters, Donna (Cunkelman) Rich of Stuart, FL and Deborah (Cunkelman) Stupic of Penn Run, PA; a brother, Darrell Cunkelman of Blairsville; and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Susan Cunkelman.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc. 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA where the Acacia Lodge #355 will hold masonic services at 7 PM.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at the Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, Kent PA, with Pastor Dan Cunkelman, Rev. Richard Cassel and Donna Kanyan officiating.
Interment will be held in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to the team of Dr. James Rossetti, UMPC Hillman Cancer Center of Shadyside, for their dedication to David’s health, and offering hope throughout his journey.
For those unable to physically be present to celebrate David’s life with his family, donations in his memory can be directed to the following:
https://diy.lls.org/fundraiser/5780088
https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=lttr-home
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