Mark H. Kuhnel

We mourn the loss of Mark H. Kuhnel who peacefully passed away at his home in Kingston, NY on January 2nd, 2024, after his brave battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.

Mark was born on May 29th, 1964 to Fred Kuhnel and the late Rosemary Kuhnel. He leaves behind a profound legacy as a family man, devoted husband, loyal friend, automobile enthusiast, and community servant. He led a remarkable life of love and dedication that enriched the lives of those around him. He was a lifelong resident of Kingston and graduated from Kingston High School.

He was a loving brother to Eddie Kuhnel and loving brother-in-law to Eddie's wife Sharon, both of Kingston, NY. Sharon is renowned for her amazing desserts that grace every family function. Mark was best friends with his late brother, Andrew Kuhnel of Troy, NY who passed away in November of 2022.

Mark and Andrew co-founded their own business called Supreme Auto Body, built on North Street, in Saugerties, NY, turning their shared passion for cars into a successful business venture. Mark's reputation as a Master Auto Body Technician and true Motorhead was well-known, making him a local legend in the Car Community. This passion endured even after the business was sold to Sawyer Motors and continued with his position as the only one who held the title of Master Auto Body Technician at Adirondack Trailways, in Kingston NY. The knowledge he held of his craft and what he could do with that knowledge was outstanding. Mark benefited from a dedicated group of friends who played instrumental roles in the restoration and reconstruction of many items including vehicles and bikes. Together, they formed a cohesive team often referred to as the "Three Musketeers" consisting of Mark, his late brother Andrew, and Jim Nieminski, who was regarded as "a brother from another mother." Noteworthy is Ray Pincombe's remarkable commitment, as he traveled all the way from California to lend his expertise in the restoration of the '70 GTO.
Mark was the beloved husband of Muguette (Mickey), who was the love of his life. They were married at the Kingston Courthouse on March 28th, 2020, by Judge Susan Kesick. Their life together was filled with beautiful adventures marked by memorable journeys in their cars: The Blue Beauty, Lindsay, Big Blue, Double D, Big Mama Caddy, and Baby Edge. The project of renovating Mark's dream car, a 1970 GTO original 400 4-Speed on the floor convertible is in the works and was given the name "The SIREN" due to its future body color which will be a mermaid teal. She will be completed in Mark's memory, with the help of multiple friends as a lasting tribute to Mark's love of classic cars.

Mark was an adoring and devoted father to his only son, Michael Kuhnel, of Kingston, NY. They enjoyed working on car projects together, watching WWE wrestling matches, and unwinding with a game of darts after a busy week. Mark was also a caring, and nurturing stepfather, affectionately called "Papa Sparks" by his stepchildren Chelsea and Logan Kress of Newburgh, NY and Chelsea's fiancé, Martin Lowery, of Yonkers, NY.

Through his marriage with Mickey, Mark's family grew full circle to include his sister-in-law Andree Kozaczek and her partner Steve Neugebauer of Newburgh, NY. Mark was able to meet his late brother-in-law Lou Kozaczek and Mickey's late mother, Muguette Kozaczek, both of Newburgh, NY, before their untimely passing in 2020. Mark also leaves behind his wonderful nephews Josh Kuhnel and his wife Rebecca and beautiful niece Riley from Ohio, and Matthew Kuhnel from Troy, NY, and his 3 loyal dogs, The Finn Bob, Copper Lou, and Rusty Rue, who loved him unconditionally.

Mark's commitment to his community was evident in his service at Ulster Hose #5 in Kingston where he dedicated himself to local fire safety efforts and was eventually voted onto the board of commissioners. His dedication to helping others, along with his personal bravery, were hallmarks of his character that earned him widespread respect and admiration. Mark would want John Kelly and the Firehouse to know that he always appreciated them giving him a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Services will be held on Saturday January 27th, 2024 between 1pm – 4pm at Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home in Kingston. Reception to follow at Frank Guido's Little Italy in Kingston from 5pm – 8pm.

Team Kuhnel (#1) persevered through a tough battle against a relentless disease—cancer. To honor Mark's legacy, it is urged that individuals take proactive measures by undergoing a colonoscopy, a critical step that Mark himself wished he had undertaken and advocates for others to prioritize.

Mark's life was a tapestry woven with love and pride for his family, friends, and the cars he adored. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Mark was more than just a man, he was a legend in his own right, leaving an undeniable mark on the Hudson Valley and beyond. His absence will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.

Thank you to all the wonderful people affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering, especially Dr. Louise Connell, who fought just as hard as Mark did.

"With your passing, heaven gains a radiant light, while the earth mourns, shrouded in the dimness left behind."