Frederick William Kunar

Frederick William Kunar – October 31, 1948 – September 9, 2026

Frederick William Kunar, known to just about everyone as Fred, passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 77 in Plain City, Ohio surrounded by his loving family. A longtime resident of both Ravenna and Salem, Ohio. Fred lived a full and meaningful life, one measured not in words but in the lasting impressions he left on everyone he met. Fred was born on October 31, 1948, in Ravenna, to Louis and Helen Kunar. It was at Ravenna High School that he met the love of his life, Edna Smith, his high school sweetheart and partner for over 57 years of marriage. He went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Akron, setting the stage for a career devoted to shaping young minds. Fred was an educator and coach through and through. He taught business classes at Ravenna Southeast and Salem high schools before moving into administration, serving as an assistant principal at Field and Lakeview high schools and as a principal at Columbiana, Champion, and Lakeview high schools. Even after retirement, his former players wooed him back to the principal's office at Sandy Valley High School and Howland and Leetonia elementary schools. For those who remember the tough and tenacious Coach Kunar, picturing him as an elementary principal was laughable, but for those who called him Poppi, it made total sense. Before his move to administration, Fred built a successful coaching career, leading wrestling and football teams at Ravenna, Ravenna Southeast, and Salem. He retired from coaching in 1990 after guiding Salem's football team, affectionately known as “The Black Plague” to an 8-2 record, the winningest team since 1960! Fred also had the pleasure of coaching Salem’s first and only wrestling state champion in 1981. Through the eighties and nineties, Fred, with Edna by his side, attended countless football games, high school contests on Friday nights and their sons' and former players' college games on Saturdays. Fred and Edna not only attended sporting events, they could also be found supporting all high school extracurricular activities such as plays, dances, and band concerts. Fred was a man of few words, so when he spoke, people listened. He had valuable lessons to teach us all. Simply put, Fred was a man of integrity, a mentor to many, and someone who always put his family first, but he also had a much softer side. He had an infectious laugh, could carry a tune, especially to Prince, and gave the best hugs. Country strong and intuitively smart, he could fix just about anything from cars to dishwashers and is notorious for digging an 8-foot-deep ditch with only a shovel halfway around their house in Salem to install a French drain. An avid sports fan, he rooted for the Buckeyes and Indians and tolerated watching the Browns lose year after year. He disliked flying and heights of any kind, but if a grandchild was waiting on the other end of the flight, he wouldn't hesitate to get on the plane. More than anything, Fred was proudest of being a caring and loving Poppi to his seven grandchildren: Jacob (Avery) Kunar, Mollie (Matthew) Cincinat; Jack, Anna, and Anthony Martin; and Sophie and Maxwell Kunar. He also enjoyed many laughs while hanging out and watching videos of his adorable great granddaughters: Sutton Kunar and Eloise Cincinat. Fred along with Edna spent his later years doting on their grandchildren and great grandchildren. He truly was their life-size teddy bear. A longtime member of the First Christian Church in Salem, Fred served as an Elder and taught Bible study and Sunday school, living out his faith quietly and faithfully. He now rests in the arms of the Lord he loved and served. Fred is survived by his wife, Edna; his daughter, Kristin Martin (Joseph) of Solon; his sons, Eric Kunar (Michelle) of Ostrander, and Matthew Kunar (Jillian) of Plain City; his brothers, Paul Kunar (Glenda, deceased), Edward Kunar (Sandy, deceased); his brothers-in-law, Paul Smith (Helen, deceased) and Bill (Dorothy)Thomas; his sisters-in-law Ruth (Larry) Kunar, and Mary Kay Kunar; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Helen; his brother, Larry Kunar, and his sister, Dorothy Thomas. A service will be held on September 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM* at Riverwood Chapel, 1407 Fairchild Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240 with a reception to follow at Kent State University and Conference Center. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Donations can be made on-line at https://lbda.org/donate The family wishes to thank all the physicians, therapists, and nurses at the Cleveland Clinic and OhioHealth who cared for Fred so lovingly over the past few years. *Time is subject to change. If planning to attend the service please check back to verify the time.