Joel S. Kusnitz

Joel Samuel Kusnitz of Largo, FL passed away on April 26, 2025 at the age of 90.

Joel was born on July 10, 1934 in Atlanta, Georgia, the eldest of Morris and Dora Kusnitz’s three sons. After high school and college, Joel joined the U.S. Army in 1956 where he proudly served his country during the Korean War.

Joel was a southern boy with family in CT whom he visited in the summertime. It was during one visit that he met his future wife. Upon returning to civilian life, Joel married the one and only love of his life, Judy. During their 65-year union, Joel and Judy built a beautiful life in Monroe, CT where they resided until moving to FL in 1998.

From youth, Joel had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and a penchant for jokes. He was always stopping to talk to strangers, making friends in all places. Joel was a crane operator for over 30 years, enjoying his work traveling all over the state and beyond. He loved to point out locations of buildings he worked on, reveling in the detail of the work he did. Joel also loved to work with his hands. His pride in his workmanship manifested itself at the family’s CT home, where Joel was constantly making updates and upgrades. He was house chairman for Congregation B’Nai Torah in Trumbull, CT for decades, dedicating his time and skills to ensuring all operations ran smoothly.

After retiring to FL, Joel took great pride in the upkeep of his yard, spending countless hours maintaining its beauty. Joel was a hardworking man who loved his family dearly.

Although Joel is gone, he will live in our hearts forever.

Joel is predeceased by his parents and youngest brother, Arnold (CeeCee). He is survived by his wife, Judy and their three children, Michael (Suzanne), Jeffrey (Petra) and Abby (Robert), his brother Leland, his six grandchildren (Matthew, David, Sarah, Asher, Shayna and Dov) and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Largo, FL on Monday, April 28th at 2:00PM.

Heritage Funeral Care, Largo FL is serving the family.