Stephen T. Kunian

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Stephen T. Kunian

A man of the modern Back Bay, Stephen Toby Kunian passed away with his family close by on December 20, 2024 at the age of 85.  He lived on Marlborough Street for almost 58 years, first in an apartment and then in a townhouse which he truly loved.  He participated in the updating of the Back Bay.  He was on the board of the Neighborhood Assn. of the Back Bay, the Back Bay Architectural Commission, and The Back Bay Garden Club (one of the first men to join). He was on the City of Boston Conservation Commission for more than 20 years.  Among the most important institutions to him were St. Botolph Club and The Boston Atheneum.

Stephen graduated from Phillips Academy, Amherst College, Harvard Law School and the London School of Economics. He was the son of the late David and Charlotte (Greenstein). He leaves his wife, Lois Rome Kunian, his sons and their families, Andrew and David Kunian & his wife Renee Bigelow, and their daughters, Charlotte & Leila.  He leaves his brother Dennis, his wife Janie, and family Danielle & Derek Wallis and children Sophia & Owen ,and Alexandra Kunian, and her daughters Zahra & Samira Nicola.  He also leaves his sister-in-law Ellen Rome, her husband Wayne Wibby, his niece and her husband Samantha and Brendan Kelley, and their children Liam, Graham, and Harrison.

Stephen practiced law for more than 50 years. He enjoyed his retirement sitting in his library with a Marlborough Street view and a glass of wine. He was an avid reader, a world traveler, a fan of classical music, and a connoisseur of Asian ceramics.  He will be missed for his wit and general good nature. Funeral service will be held at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, (parking on the Riverway) Monday, December 23, at 11:30 am. For those who wish to make a contribution in Stephen’s memory, please consider The Boston Athenaeum, The Emerald Necklace Conservancy, or Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center (MCAEC).