Atkinson, NH: John E. Hunkele, 60, of Atkinson, NH, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends, on Friday November 15, 2019, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Harry and Norma (Woelfersheim) Hunkele. John grew up in Vermont and was a graduate of South Burlington High School, Class of 1977 and also received an Associate's degree for Electrical Technician from Vermont Technical College. For almost thirty years he was employed by Lucent Technologies as an electronic technician.

John was an avid beekeeper and enjoyed many outdoor activities like golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing, camping and especially hiking with his lifelong friend Michael. Their hiking mantra was always "Onward we truck!" He also enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and cheering on the New England sports teams, his favorite of which was the Bruins. As a devoted family man, he loved more than anything to be with his family. Time spent at the cabin in southern Vermont and with the Friday night gang brought him great joy.

John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of thirty-five years, Deborah (O'Neil) Hunkele of Atkinson, NH, his three daughters, Jill Hunkele of Atkinson and her fiancé, Zach Crete of Barre, VT, Erin Hunkele, of Denver, CO, and Kerri Hunkele and her boyfriend Chris Rocheleau, of Cambridge, VT, brother Harry Hunkele, of New York, NY, sister Anne Mollo and her husband Paul, of Charlotte, VT, as well as many nephews and nieces.

John's family would like to say a very special thank you to every one of the caring and compassionate staff of the Merrimack Valley Hospice at High Pointe House.

John's Life Celebration will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2019 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH. In lieu of flowers, his family kindly asks for a donation in John's memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 North Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830 or The Honeybee Conservancy / SEE, Attn: Finance team, 23532 Calabasas Road, Suite A, Calabasas, CA 91302