First Posted: 2/10/2013

Thomas A. Yunkunis, 67, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday Feb. 5, 2013.

Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Anthony and Anna (Poliwater) Yunkunis.

Thomas grew up in West Pittston before moving to Ogdensburg, N.J., in 1993. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1964 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War.

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Mr. Yunkunis was employed for 42 years as a scientist for the Schering-Plough Corp. in Lafayette, N.J., retiring in September 2011.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being in the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He took great pride with being an accomplished golfer. From 1977 to 1983 he served the residents of Hamburg Borough as a special police officer with the Hamburg Police Department.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Bonnie (Hessler) Yunkunis, Hamburg; sons, Dean Yunkunis and his wife, Lisa, of Hampton Twp., N.J., and Derek Yunkunis and his girlfriend, Eva Milford; a grandson. Warren Yunkunis; step-grandchildren, Josh, Ashlee and Vinnie Gallipoli; also surviving are his brothers, Charles Yunkunis and his wife, June, and Raymond Yunkunis and his wife, Patricia, all of Pittston; and a Dr. William Yunkunis and his wife, Suzanne, Tunkhannock; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main St., Franklin, N.J.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Jude the Apostle, 4-24 Beaver Run Road, Hamburg, N.J.

Interment to follow at North Hardyston Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home today, Feb. 10, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory would be preferred and may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005.

To offer online condolences, and for driving directions go to www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.