Walter H. Kuhnen MD
Walter H. Kuhnen MD
Walter H. Kuhnen MD of Naples Florida passed away on November 6,2024 from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Walter grew up in Hasbrouck Heights NJ with his parents and sister Jeanne. Walter attended Brown University where he studied biology and chemistry. He graduated Brown in 1971 with honors and started his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine. In 1976 Walter completed surgical residency at Baylor College of Medicine and started an orthopedic residency at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, where he met the love of his life, Betteanne Mitchell. In 1979, the couple wed and moved to Walter’s home state of New Jersey. Walter completed his radiology residency and a fellowship in CT and Ultrasound at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. In 1981 his “favorite” and only child, Marissa was born.
In 1983 Walter and his new family moved to Warren Pennsylvania, “the home of great deer hunting and trout fishing” he would boast. Walter loved his Warren community. He was a radiologist at Warren Radiology for 34 years; he spoke highly of his work family at Warren General Hospital. Walter was also a member of the Shakespeare Club, St. Joseph’s parish, “The Bridge group”, and the YMCA, where he went almost every morning at 5:30am to swim or lift weights, and socialize.
Walter was constantly learning and trying new things. He loved to read, travel, scuba dive, ski, and dance with his favorite dance partner, Betteanne.
PBS and the Nightly Business Report were his preferred TV shows. He enjoyed museums, opera, and theater. He cherished his summers at the Chautauqua Institute. He listened to many types of music from Puccini and Bach to the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley. Walter was often spotted on his bike on Conewango Ave headed to/from work, bow tie and helmet askew. When he turned 50, Walter learned how to ride a Harley Davidson, which he adored. Once he even brought our small shih tzu,Tasha Tsingtao along for the ride.
Dr. Van Johnson, Walter’s long time friend said of him “he was a good and honest person with a great sense of humor and an unassuming intelligence. I will definitely miss him, especially our long phone conversations.” Walter loved engaging conversation (especially over wine!) Political discussions with his in-laws were customary. He made sure to call his mom and sister on Sundays; they would talk for hours. He would often ask “do you want to hear my story?”. Nowadays, mom and I would gladly hear one of his stories, even if we did hear it a million other times.
Dad had the warmest heart. Whenever I was visiting, he would randomly give me a hug and say “I am so happy you are here.” He gave the best advice, always the voice of reason and rarely upset. He taught me so much. When I was young he taught me how to read and multiply and how to ski and ice skate. Later on more important life lessons arose. If I was dwelling on a bad day, he would say “put it behind you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff.” He showed me the importance of simply showing up and to accept things I cannot change. He instilled an appreciation for nature, travel, and cultures different from my own. He was the biggest supporter of my mom and I, he showed us so much love. We miss him very much.