Richard “Pete” Kuntz passed away in his sleep at his home on Tybee Island November 22. He was born September 8th 1946 in Rye, New York. He attended Fordham University in New York City. He graduated from Georgia State with a degree in Criminal Justice.
In 1966 he married Tricia Burr nee Smith in Harrington Park, New Jersey. They were married and inseparable for 58 years until her death in 2024.
He served as a lieutenant in the army in the 9th infantry division. He served in Vietnam as a forward observer in the mobile riverine force in 1967 and 1968. He was awarded a bronze star for meritorious service. He also received a bronze star for valor. As well as the army accommodation medal for valor and the air medal.
He worked with special needs adults for twenty years in Ithaca, New York. He owned Sundial Salvage which relocated architecturally significant structures and demolished and repurposed the materials of many.
He worked for the City of Tybee Island,GA. He travelled extensively in South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. He worked outside Kabul in Afghanistan. He lived in Saint Petersburg, Russia while working for the state department at the American Consulate where he finished his career. They retired to Guanajuato in Central Mexico before returning home to Tybee Island, GA.
Richard ‘Peter’ Kuntz is survived by his daughter Rene Heidt and siblings Liz Stark(Kuntz), John Kuntz and Juliana Kuntz. He is also survived by his grandson and name sake Peter Aubrey Heidt and his son-in-law David Heidt. His wife Tricia Burr preceded him in death as well as parents Peter and Adele Kuntz.
“No matter how difficult or wonderful things were he was always supportive and stoic. He built a house for my mother and I and both his sisters. Men felt safe with him in Vietnam. He was my hero.” – Rene Heidt
He was under the care of his daughter Rene Heidt and his son-in-law David Heidt and Hospice for the last two years of his life
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Jackie and Charlie Brown
Rene and David, Am so sorry to read about Pete’s passing. He was a special person. I know he will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers for you all.
Jackie and Charlie Brown
Tybee Island/Metter
Michael Vaughn
Rene, my deepest condolences to your father. Your parents were very special, heart warming, very welcoming and hilarious. I have the fondest of memories during my short three year stay on Tybee years ago because of all the Kuntz family. The stories your dad told sitting around the bar at the breakfast club were epic. He will be missed. Much love to you and your family
Teri Boehme
I have been away for so long and I did not realize that Tricia passed last year and now Pete‘s gone. I’m sure Bubba was standing there to greet them. My sincere sympathies to you, Renee. You were all a very special part of Bruce’s life and mine