Benjamin Jacobs Kunkel

Benjamin Kunkel died Wednesday morning, October 16th in Norfolk, VA after being struck by a car while jogging. He was born December 8, 1987, the son of Chris and Helen Kunkel.

Benjamin graduated from Heritage High School in 2006, earned an undergraduate degree from Christopher Newport University and a graduate degree from Ithaca College. He was employed by the Chesapeake Human Society as the Outreach and Event Coordinator.

In addition to his parents, Benjamin is survived by a sister, Anna Kunkel Dawson and husband Kenneth; a grandmother, Kitty Kunkel of Silver Spring, MD; his aunts and uncles, Les and Kathie Anderson of Des Moines, IA; Jim and Kay Wright of Monrovia, MD and Neal and Tina Kunkel of Bowie, MD. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Erin Carmody of Norfolk and his cousins, Lauran Jordan, James Wright, Christian Wright and Lucy Wright.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George Kunkel and his maternal grandparents, Albert and Margaret Anderson.

A celebration of Benjamin\"™s life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church in Lynchburg with Anne Gibbons officiating. There will be a time for gathering with friends and family after the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider The Chesapeake Humane Society, 123 N. Battlefield Blvd, Suite D, Chesapeake, VA 23320 or a charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.