Gerald "Gerry" Kukene

Lifelong prankster and master of "dad" jokes, Gerry Kukene, died unexpectedly at age 69 due to complications from a medical procedure.

Gerry was married to Virginia "Gini" Kukene for nearly 50 years. Together they raised their two children, Danielle and Brian, in Haverhill, MA. Gerry was a proud, loving, fun, and involved grandfather to his two grandchildren, Brooks and Kiki. Referred to by his grandchildren as Gump, he was an influential person in their lives and this loss is felt deeply by them.

Gerry was a dedicated provider for his family, working his career as a UPS driver. He worked long, hard hours and often picked up odd jobs to help support his family and give them a good quality of life. One of his proudest moments was when he bought a beat up "camp" on Lake Ossipee with his wife. Along with Gini's creative vision, they worked hard to transform that "camp" into a beautiful getaway that had postcard views and hosted countess family functions. For over 30 years they spent their summers living lake life. The grandkids would spend a month each summer on Grandpa's lake where he would teach them how to fish, kayak, shoot bb- guns, and spoil them with the best New England ice cream just down the street.

Gerry lived life to the fullest and was an outdoor enthusiast. He was a boater, skier, and scuba diver and he got his children into all of these sports as well. In fact now his grandchildren ski and scuba dive, which is a nod to their grandfather's interests. He was the ultimate prankster going out of his way to make people laugh. He mastered the art of a practical joke and he is the OG of "dad jokes". He loved mixed nuts, riding his Harley, fishing with his grandkids, skiing, scuba diving, driving his boat around the lake, having a Coors lite at the sand bar, lobstering, eating fisherman platters, drinking coffee, watching NASCAR, watching the Christmas story marathon during the holidays, chatting with strangers, and traveling. He was extremely talented and self-taught handy man. He renovated his homes with a high quality craftsmanship and there was no project big or small that Gini sent his way that he could not tackle. He was a mentor to many and would go out of his way to help anyone in need.

Gerry's life was not without hardship. In 2006 he lost his son, Brian, to suicide. After his loss he became a dedicated member of a local survivor of suicide loss support group meeting, becoming a support to grievers that came in after him. In fact, it wasn't long until Gerry would be asked to facilitate a meeting or two when the leader would need to miss. He also became involved in the local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness community walk, volunteering annually at a water station named in honor of his son, Brian. The loss of Brian was profound but Gerry found ways to give back and help others.

Gerry is missed terribly by all of his family and friends, especially his wife. A celebration of life will be
held this spring on Lake Ossipee, which was one of his very favorite places on earth.