Joseph E. Kun, 83, of Westover, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at his home. He was born November 21, 1935, in Beckley, the son of the late Joseph Kun, Sr. and Cornella (Holepit) Kun Sparks. At the age of 7, he moved with his family to Jere.
Joseph retired from Consol Osage #3 Mine after 33 years of mining. He was elected to the Monongalia County Commission November 1968, and served for 20 years through re-election until December 31, 1988. Joseph served as President of the County Commission for seven, one-year terms. While on the County Commission, he concurrently worked midnight shift in the mines. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Union of America, Local Union 1058, District 31 and member of UMWA, Local 4043, where he served 12 years as financial secretary.
During his years on the Monongalia County Commission, Joseph was involved in many improvements in healthcare in the area including projects in a new Health Department Building, new Mon Health Medical Center, new Sundale Nursing Home, and Health Clinic, in Blacksville. He was also involved in projects advancing Emergency Medical Service and Emergency 911 Response System. Joseph served on the Mon Health Medical Center Board of Directors from 1999-2011. He also served on the Monongalia County Development Authority, the Monongalia County Transit Authority, the Monongalia County Health Department Board, The WVU/Monongalia County Extension Service, and the Westover Sewer Board. Joseph was a member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th Degree. Joe always considered himself a public servant, not a politician.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judith A. (Dorinzi) Kun; three children and spouses, Joseph Kun (Lisa Demasi), of Christianburg, Va., Marc Kun (Sheree Jankovic), of High Point, N.C., and Stephanie Kun Walter (James Walter), of Montclair, Va.; sisters, Norma Rischak, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Cornella Johnson, of Jere, Julia Helbus (Greg), of Jere; brothers, William (Joann) Kun, of Granville, Robert (Marylyn) Kun, of Kalispell, Mont., David (Martha) Kun, of Cassville; grandchildren, Aarika Napolet, of Charleston, S.C., Jay Kun, of High Point, N.C., Tia Walter and Kira Walter, of Montclair, Va.; an uncle, John Lako (Sophie), of Jere; close brothers-in-law, Jim Dorinzi (Virg) and John Dorinzi (Donna); good friend, Chad Kearns; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his in-laws, Carl Dorinzi and Victoria Peppetti Dorinzi; brothers-in-law, Jack L. Dorinzi, James Johnson, John (Jay) Rischak; nephew, Jack L. Dorinzi, Jr.; and many aunts and uncles.
The family expresses a special thank you to the staff of Amedisys Home Health for their compassionate care, specifically nurses, Melissa, Sabrina, Tammy, and Ginny. Also, to Joe and Judy’s neighbor, Nicki, for her kindness and compassion, always wanting to check in and help.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joe’s memory to St. Ursula’s Food Pantry and Outreach, P.O. Box 18 Pursglove, WV 26546.
Friends may gather at McCulla Funeral Home from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, March 29. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, with the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, STD, VE as celebrant. Interment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors conferred by Westover VFW #9916 and WVANG Military Honors, Camp Dawson.
Condolences: mcculla.com
