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Sean Kunzli Obituary
Born in Manchester, son of the late Werner "Sonny" Kunzli, Jr. and Sheila Ryan, he was a lifelong resident of Tolland. Sean's idol, James Dean, once quoted "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." This was exactly how Sean lived his life. Forever beating the odds, Sean received a heart and double lung transplant in 1993 at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Every day Sean lived life to the fullest because there was no other way for him. The initial outlook was maybe he would have another three years after the transplant. Sean did everything in his power with a tremendous will to live and made it to an incredible, record-setting, 28 1/2 years as a transplant survivor, all while battling several health conditions along the way. Unwilling to be defeated, Sean was a true fighter, a champion, forever overflowing with positivity and perseverance to live each and every day to the fullest. He was truly an inspiration. Sean was a graduate of Tolland High School. He was an entrepreneur and previously owned Video Galaxy and Sean's Dreams in Tolland. An avid car enthusiast, he became an automotive broker and started Jakes Motorsports - a small Tolland dealership that was well known for having the most unique vehicles and toys. Sean was a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, cousin and friend. Lucky were those who truly got to know him. Sean's biggest accomplishments were being an incredible father to his daughter, Chelsea, and a wonderful grandfather to Jack, Logan and Kinley. Sean believed that attitude is everything, and his positivity was always overflowing - no matter what he was facing. Sean had a huge heart and could always be found lending a hand to anyone. Always smiling, he treated everyone with respect and courtesy and would go out of his way to help in any way he could. Sean loved spending time with family, traveling (often to Switzerland visiting his Swiss family) skiing, picking up babes, working on cars and driving fast! He spent many years racing go-karts, Formula Fords, cars and motorcycles. He was very competitive! Sean was always on the go and up for trying something new. He loved to laugh, and his laugh was contagious. A huge music fan, the radio was always on - Peter Frampton a favorite. Sean will be truly missed by many.
He is survived by his mother, Sheila Ryan of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts; his sisters, Heidi Kunzli of Essex, and Wendy Kunzli-Schaub and her husband, Kurt of Switzerland; his beloved daughter, Chelsea Fennelly (Kunzli) and her husband, Michael; and three grandchildren, Jack, Logan and Kinley Fennelly of Somers; his favorite cousin, Deborah Songailo-Cottrill and her husband, Donald of Glastonbury; and many beloved extended family and friends. The world may be a little dimmer without Sean, but the stars are truly shining a bit brighter. "It is what it is."
Sean Kunzli will be buried in Ellington Cemetery. Burial will be private. A celebration of his life will be held at the family's earliest convenience.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Sean's honor to United Network for Organ Sharing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sean Kunzli
Helen Kreyden
July 31, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Caitlin Ryan
April 4, 2023
So saddened by this news! Sean passed about 2 months after my dad Brad Ryan my dad loved Sean deeply and was always saying what an inspiration he was ! I talked to Sean several times over the past several years and it was always so heart warming! I believe he is now with mimi grandpee his dad and my father so sorry wendy and Heidi Sheila and Chelsea and your family! Love Caitlin
Jim and Karen Toomey
August 10, 2022
Chelsea, we are so sorry to learn of your Dad´s passing. He always had a smile to share, and he was happy to tell us how proud he was of you and his grandchildren. Wishing you love.
Frank Tantillo
August 10, 2022
Will be missed always looked forward to seeing him at the TY RODS Swap Meet
Barbara and Kevin Fleming
August 10, 2022
We were so sorry to hear of Sean´s passing.
He was a good and helpful neighbor .
We hope that your memories will bring you comfort.
Marilyn legault rummel
August 8, 2022
I am so glad to have known Sean and spent some time with him over many years. Last few yrs at local car shows. Love you..and you will,be missed
Carolann Sweeney
August 8, 2022
Sean was a phenomenal example of strength and courage. May his shining legacy live on in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him in return. It was an honor that our paths crossed in life.
Patricia Tantillo Fox
August 7, 2022
I leaned from his big smile and great attitude towards life.
Please accept my deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Taken way to soon.
RIP Sean
Paula Beaulieu-Lindsay
August 7, 2022
Sad to hear of the loss of a friend
Jacqueline DeLucco
August 6, 2022
I´m so sorry Chelsea your Dad was too young, and you´ll have to tell the boys and Kinley all about their hero Grandfather! 28years he was very brave. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
Duane Brown
August 6, 2022
My wife (Linda) and I are deeply saddened to hear about Sean passing... Sean is a good friend of ares and I have spent some great times together at swapmeets or just hanging at his shop... we shared many of the same interests in the odd and unusual vehicles... He enjoyed coming to are labor day party's where all are friends would bring their hotrods only to show off their rubber burning and tire squealing skills... His V8 Volkswagen bus was one of the highlights of the day... He will truly be missed here and are hearts go out to his family... Rest easy my friend...
Duane & Linda Brown
Greg Bombard
August 6, 2022
Positive attitude. That was the Sean I knew. Many a Sunday afternoon with an unplanned group chat with Ed Nelson at the NAPA store. I´ll be looking for you Sean at the next Long Beach Swap Meet.
Claudia Gauches
August 6, 2022
So very sorry to read about Sean´s passing. What an amazing battle he fought. Wishing you strength as you grieve. Godspeed, Sean.
Helen Kreyden
August 6, 2022
Sean you where my first big love I shall never forget this time it was magic
Miss you Helen
John Kolano
August 6, 2022
Sean...always smiling, always laughing, always sharing a kind word; I´m sure you are doing the same on the other side. You certainly made the world a brighter place and we all can learn from you and how you lived your life. Your vibrance and zest will be missed. RIP! John
Steve Djiounas
August 6, 2022
Sean was one my best friends always around when ever I needed something. We spent many years in the 1990´s and until recently going to car shows together. Always was a pleasure to be with and never let his health concerns get in the way of anything, a true braze person. I´m heart broken and miss him...
David Hyde
August 6, 2022
So sad to hear of Sean´s passing he was a true friend and classmate. Condolences to his entire family.
michael A. smith
August 6, 2022
Sean, always kind. Sean will be sorely missed.
Peter Anderson
August 6, 2022
I´m truly saddened by the news of Sean´s passing. My condolences go out to the family. I´ve know the family a very long time. Since skiing in Vermont in the 60´s to the present. Sean and my paths have always crossed it seems. He will be missed. I hope the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Debbie Songailo
August 6, 2022
My favorite cousin, a best friend. We not only shared a birthday, but we also shared lifelong memories. I miss you to the moon and back.
Sheila Cyr
August 6, 2022
Chelsea, it is so difficult to put into words how sorry I am for You, Mike, Jack, Logan & Finley. Your Dad was a very special man who loved all of you so much and he was so proud all of you! He made me laugh just before Finley was born, he came over our house with a pizza and pulled out his note book and said this is my new Granddaughter's name & wanted to be sure he gave me the correct spelling (that´s your Dad) He was a truly grateful man who has endured so much in his life. He would often say when things didn´t go in the right direction "it is what it is, just let it go" was his advice he would give me which I will never forget. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sends Love & Hugs to all.
Sheila & Justyn
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