Karl Dean Cunico was born on August 17, 1949, to Chris and Pearl (Arnold) Cunico. He lived his entire life in the city that he loved, Raton, NM. He passed away peacefully at his home on June 2, 2023.
Karl is survived by his wife, Bonnie, sister Vallie Burks, and family, Christy and Scott Willman, Toni, and Gabe Earle, and John and Jessica Hronich. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and wife, Mike and Linda Gibbs, and family, Craig and Heather Gibbs, Brandy, Ryan Herring, and Melissa Gibbs. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Cheryl Beckman, and family, Brian and Emilee Beckman, and Brittan and Victor Morales. Niece Kendall and Sean Phillips also survive. Karl’s Aunt Luetta Schuchhardt and Uncle Donald Schuchhardt survive him, along with his Uncle Pete Weisher and Janet. Also surviving are numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Tony Burks, his brother-in-law John Beckman, sister-in-law Dianna Taylor, nephew Eric Gibbs, and niece Krishin White. Also proceeding him are numerous aunts and uncles including a special uncle, Willard Arnold. Uncle Will was Karl’s first playmate and BFF.
Karl graduated from Raton High School with the class of 1967 and attended Trinidad State Junior College where he received his Associate’s Degree in Electronics. Shortly afterward, Uncle Sam sent Karl a personal invitation to join the U.S. Army and he was inducted on February 14, 1970. The majority of his military career was spent in South Korea; a country that he greatly admired for its beauty and innovative and hardworking citizens. When he returned to Raton, he joined his father and together they built beautiful homes in Raton and the surrounding area. In 1978 he joined the U.S. Postal Service and served for 30 years. Back in those days, mailmen were a familiar sight walking for many miles, carrying heavy mail bags, and keeping a watchful eye out for the safety and well-being of the patrons on their routes. Karl literally delivered mail in rain, sleet, snow, the heat of the day, and the dark of night.
He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. Karl was a superior fisherman, a so-so golfer, and an enthusiastic bowler, and played on the Men’s Slow Pitch baseball league until he was almost in his 40s. He also coached a Raton Lady’s Softball team and was so proud of his players. Karl could be seen around town with the love of his life, Max, a huge hybrid wolf dog.
Karl married Bonnie Gibbs on May 7, 1988, and they spent the next 36 years enjoying their little home surrounded by mountains, trees, and wildlife.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on June 9, 2023, at the Lighthouse Church in Raton.
The family wishes to thank the Staff of Miner’s Colfax Medical Center for their loving care and special attention to Karl during his long stay with them. He enjoyed the visits and telephone calls from friends, in particular three friends, Mike Gatti, Joe Spicola, and Bernard Atwater who visited him often both in the hospital and once he was released to go home. The visits were filled with smiles, laughter, and good food and they brightened his days. Special thanks to Robin Pilley and Connie Shields who lovingly and expertly helped him through his final journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions could be made to the Humane Society of Raton or a charity of their choice.
