Timothy “Tim” Thomas Kuntz Kelly, 66, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 18, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on September 11, 1959, Tim spent the vast majority of his life in Buffalo, New York, a city he loved deeply, before spending his final year and a half in Lincoln, Nebraska, cared for by his devoted sister and her family.
After graduating from Clarence Center High School, Tim dedicated most of his life to a career in restaurant management, meeting the demands of the industry with hard work and leadership. His culinary talents extended far beyond his career as he was a true chef at heart who found immense joy in cooking and serving incredible meals for his friends and family. To unwind, Tim turned to nature. He was an avid gardener who loved tending to his plants, a passionate fisherman who spent quiet days at Clarence Town Park or the Allegheny National Forest, and a fiercely loyal, lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabers.
Tim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karreen Kelly, his brother, Martin Kuntz Brant and his nephew Daniel Kuntz.
His legacy lives on through his large and loving family. He is survived by his children: Jonathan (Tiffany) Kelly of Pittsburgh, PA; Timmy Kelly of St. Augustine, FL; and Stephen (Jamie) Kelly of Orlando. He was the proud grandfather to his only two grandchildren, Tyler and Liam. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Kathleen Fels (Vince Mayer), Kimberly Fels (Joshua Dix), and Kelly Spiotta (Andrew Barber) all of Buffalo, NY.
Tim leaves behind his parents, Raymond and Priscilla Kuntz of Arthur, IL; his brother, Randy (Kelly) Kuntz of Arthur, IL; and his sisters, Cheryl Kuntz Klekar (Scott) of Lincoln, NE; Samantha (Bill) Matthews of Jacksonville, FL; and Jennifer (Paul) Hoffman of Arthur, IL.
He is also survived by his dearly loved nieces and nephews: Julia (Marcus) Killeen of Lincoln, NE; David (Jenna) Killeen of Belton, TX; Melissa (Lloyd) Lane of Nashville, TN; Michelle Brant of Lockport, NY; Donald Brant and family of Lockport, NY; Raymond Matthews of Atlantic Beach, FL; Bryan (Alex) Matthews of Atlantic Beach, FL; Emily Matthews of Atlantic Beach, FL; Bella Taylor of Mattoon, IL; and Quinn Taylor of Arthur, IL; along with a large, extended circle of family and friends who will miss him deeply.
In keeping with Tim’s love for his hometown, a celebration of life will be held in Buffalo, New York, at a later date to be determined by the family.
3 thoughts on “Timothy “Tim” Thomas Kuntz Kelly”
My Dear Brother Tim,
So many memories with you, I carry them with me…
Growing up with all six kids and our antics, indian brushburns, boy scouts, mini bikes, yoyos, delivering newspapers, dinnertimes, dishes, listening to Sabers games, Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, playing penny poker, picnics, fishing and swimming at the Clarence Town Park, bike riding all over Clarence, so many cousins, the cherry trees and barn at Grandpa and Grandma Kuntz’s, the Labor Day Fair and saltwater taffy, Glens Falls, Darien Lake, Eastern Hills Mall and the movies, the Drive-in, Pautlers, Hoffmans, Antoinettes, pizza at Tesos, all your cars, Akron Park, camping at Allegheny, family weddings, babies born, raising kids, your boat for fishing and tubing on the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, Canandaigua Lake, Las Vegas, San Francisco, L.A., Lincoln NE, Park Country Club, Denny’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, concerts, fireworks, road trips, gardening, Jeopardy, history’s mysteries, the incredible universe, and of course your cooking, your twice baked potatoes, fish fries, lobsters, chocolate chip cookies, muffins, swirl custard ice cream, singing harmony with you, loving the bright blue skies and how you soaked up the sunshine on our deck, playing chess and listening to ELO…I have truly been blessed by you in my life. I carry you in my heart. I love you, Tim. Until I see you and Martin again, fish on brother, fish on!
“I’m never going to lose your precious gift, it will always be that way.”
— The Moody Blues, “New Horizons”
In loving memory of a wonderful stepdad. Thank you for the gift of your love, your guidance, and the life you chose to share with us. I’ll keep you in my heart till I see you again, fishing in calmer waters.
Tim, proud to be Your Friend through High School (Class of ’78) and Beyond. Fishing trips to the Quarries, throwing pebbles at my bedroom window to wake me up. You introduced me to PBR. You & I worked at the Park Country Club. After I moved out of WNY, we later reconnected upon my return in the late 90’s. You welcomed me to the Annual Allegheny Opening Day (or thereabouts) Trout Fishing & Cabin Rentals where I was able to bring my Sons. I moved out of WNY and left behind You, along with much baggage. So sorry to learn of Your Passing. Proud of Your Sister, Cheri, for her standing by You – she is a special gal. Hope to be able to attend Your Memorial Service so am staying tuned. Your Friend, Chris M. Smith. Canton, Georgia