-Mr. J. Sterling Kunkel, age 78, passed away at his house on February 17, 2016. Born in Utica on August 13, 1937, he was the son of the late Chauncey and Ruth (Sterling) Kunkel. A graduate of Utica Free Academy, he attended Mohawk Valley Community College. Sterling was a U. S. Navy Veteran and was employed by the N. Y. State Dept. of Transportation, until his retirement in 1992. An avid outdoorsman, Sterling was the "Johnny Appleseed" of conifers and birch trees, having planted over 200 seedlings and transplants over the years. He enjoyed the Adirondacks and the time he spent at the lake-fishing or "sitting". Predeceased by his sister, Barbara Barnaba and her husband, John, Sterling is survived by his sister, Pat Kunkel, of Barneveld and two nieces, Mrs. Carrie Byrd and her family, of Syracuse and Maryruth Stopera and her family, of Westmoreland. Maryruth, her husband, David and son, John, were especially close to "Uncle Oney"-John was the light of his life! Honoring Sterling's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Mass of Christian Burial and remembrance will take place in the spring, when interment in West Schuyler Cemetery occurs. In memory of Sterling, those who wish may donate to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. The family would like to thank those friends and neighbors who have been so helpful to "Oney" these past few years, especially Scott Lange, Shirley and Ford Haman, Joe Julianno and others who were "always there" for Sterling.