Martin S. Kunitz, 48, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1998 and formerly of Pine Plains, died peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. Martin showed tremendous dignity and grace while courageously battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for ten years.
Born in Hudson on July 16, 1963, he was the son of Sylvia Kunitz of Pine Plains and the late Eric Kunitz. Martin was a graduate of Pine Plains High School. He received his Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Fredonia and his Master's Degree from University at Albany. He was employed as an IT Deskside Support Specialist for IBM, Fishkill and had formerly worked as a musician and Assistant Sound Recording Engineer for Dreamland Studios in Bearsville.
On December 27, 1992 at the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church, Martin married Laura Pilkington who survives at home. In addition to his wife and mother, he is also survived by two nieces and two nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Deborah Christensen, who died on November 4, 2011.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 21, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ALS, Greater New York Chapter, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY 10004 or the Hospice Foundation, Inc., 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
For driving directions, online condolences or memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.