Final Salute

August Raymond Kuntz, age 101, of New Orleans, LA, affectionately known as “Happy” passed away peacefully at Trinity Trace, in Covington, LA, on Tuesday March 18, 2025. He was born on October 29, 1923, in New Orleans, LA, to Louis August Kuntz and Agnes Shepherd Kuntz.

Happy is survived by his loving sons, Eric R. Kuntz (Sue) and August “Gus” Kuntz, daughter-in-law Patty Dutrey Kuntz, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sibling, Col. (Ret) Richard A. Kuntz (Sweetie Pie), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Happy is preceded in death by his parents Louis August and Agnes Shepherd Kuntz, his beloved wife MaryAnn Beverly Birrcher Kuntz, his son Kenneth M. Kuntz, daughter-in-law Jan Moreaux Kuntz, grandson Kristofer M. Kuntz and his older brother Shepherd J. Kuntz (Fran).

Happy attended St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and Samuel J. Peters High School where he was an outstanding athlete in all sports graduating in December 1941. He joined the U.S. Navy Seabee’s and served in the South Pacific, New Caledonia during WW II.

Happy was a member of the UA (United Association) and Local 60 of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry as a BTJ Steamfitter for 40+ years.

Happy enjoyed shopping, gardening and cooking. His favorite foods were seafood gumbo, eggplant, and especially boiled Lake Pontchartrain blue claw crabs, and crawfish. He loved and enjoyed his family especially on the holidays, when we would all gather to celebrate these special occasions. Most importantly, he was a devoted Catholic; his faith was enduring with a strong foundation of trust and communication in daily prayer with our Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass honoring the life and legacy of Happy at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

A private interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Happy may be made to Tunnel to Towers at P.O. Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0719 or online at https://t2t.org.