Clarence A. "Clancy" Kunkle

Clarence A. “Clancy” Kunkle, 82, of Penn Run, passed away on his 82nd birthday, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Village. 

He was born January 29, 1943, to Clarence L. and Anna (Mayer) Kunkle in Natrona Heights, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathy J. (Fields) Kunkle, Indiana, two sons, Timothy A. Kunkle, Wexford, Kurt M. Kunkle and wife Jennifer, Lancaster, four grandchildren, Holly Kunkle, Owen Kunkle, Vivian Kunkle, Sabrina Kunkle, three surviving sisters, Theodora Emberg and husband Jim, Apollo, Roberta Kunkle, Upper Burrell, Deborah Forschner and husband Jeffrey, Murrysville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Samuel and Ivan Kunkle.

Clancy was a proud member of Washington Township High School’s class of 1961 and looked forward to attending their annual class reunions.  Clancy attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 and a Master of Education degree in 1977.  As a teacher at Blairsville High School, Clancy taught Social Studies and Current Events.  His interactions with his students continued throughout his retirement and he would always light up when someone would say they had him for class.  He would always remember their faces and where they sat in his classroom, even if he needed a little help remembering their names.  Clancy loved to stay in touch with friends and family through sending cards, newspaper articles, or anything else he thought you might enjoy. 

Clancy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting of all kinds.  All he needed was his trusty canoe and he was off on another hunting or fishing adventure.  Clancy’s love for wildlife and the outdoors was woven into his family and friendships with vacations in Canada, summers at Pymatuning and Presque Isle, or just a stop a local pond to fish with Cathy and their boys to see if something was biting.  He always had his camera ready to capture every goose hunt or canoe trip and made sure to print doubles to share with those who accompanied him. 

Clancy’s true passion was for amateur wrestling where he treasured being part of the wrestling community. He was the head wrestling coach for Blairsville in the early 1970’s and continued to coach both his boys as they competed through their school years in Indiana, where he also served as President of the Indiana Wrestling Boosters.  Clancy looked forward to attending the PIAA state tournament each year, and his knowledge and love of the sport never stopped growing throughout the years.

Clancy brought a light into every room he entered.  He loved to tell a good story and share a big laugh with everyone he met.  His huge heart and warm smile will forever be remembered by his family, friends, wrestlers, students, and community. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at St. Andrew’s Village who provided care, friendship, and compassion for Clancy over the last few years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

The John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home of Indiana, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox foundation, for Parkinsons Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (give.michaeljfox.org) or Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN, 38120(give.ducks.org)

To share a memory or leave an online condolence, visitwww.lefdahlfuneralhome.com            

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