Joseph Kuchinski

Obituary of Joseph James Kuchinski

On Friday May 28, 2021, Dr. Joseph J Kuchinski, Jr.  loving husband to Andrea and father to Michael, died unexpectedly at the age of 63.

 

Joe was born on June 10, 1957, in Ashtabula, OH to Lynn and Joseph Kuchinski, Sr.  He was the eldest of six brothers and grew up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Joe earned a BS degree in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University in 1980 and then furthered his education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Following medical school, he completed his emergency medicine residency training at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. While in training, he met Andrea and they married in 1993 and had their son, Michael.

 

A long-time member of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (ACOEP), Dr. Kuchinski served on its Board of Directors from 1994 to 2004 serving as its President from 2000 – 2002.  A talented educator, Dr. Kuchinski was fundamental in the creation of the ACOEP’s highly successful Emergency Medicine: An Intense Review training program and he was a frequent lecturer at other venues on the national emergency medicine level.

 

Professionally, politics and osteopathic medicine were passions for Dr. Kuchinski.  He was able to combine the two when the American Osteopathic Association promoted its political action committee, called OPAC.  Here he was a national spokesperson promoting political action among his peers, training them on grassroots lobbying and advocating for their profession.  Dr. Kuchinski served in many roles in the organization and most recently served as its Assistant Treasurer.  He was well-known to his state and local representatives who referred to him as an authority in healthcare and emergency medicine when considering bills affecting these areas.

 

In 2016, Dr. Kuchinski was recognized by his profession with their highest honor, The American Osteopathic Associations Distinguished Service Award which recognizes leaders of the osteopathic medical profession who have made outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the advancement of osteopathic medicine, education or other fields of public service.

 

Dr. Kuchinski’s most recent work endeavor took him to Las Vegas where he was integral in the opening of the Culinary Health Center for the culinary workers union, and he was an attending emergency physician at University Medical Center (UMC) of Las Vegas.

 

Joe was an avid sports enthusiast whose love of the game started early in life. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, played football in college, rugby in medical school and then was the sports Dad who never missed Michael’s games. Later in life, he and Michael went to Golden Knights games together whenever they could. Other passions included playing golf and getting to every Bruce Springsteen concert played.

 

Joe was the quintessential oldest brother. He had the huge heart of a born caretaker, a trait he shared with his Mom. He will be terribly missed by his family.

 

Joe was preceded in death by his father Joe, Sr., his mother Lynn Kuchinski and his brother David. He is survived by his wife Andrea Kuchinski and his son Michael Kuchinski, his brothers William Kuchinski (Anne Marie Couser) of Albany, NY, Kevin Kuchinski (Caroline) of Cresco, PA, Anthony Kuchinski (Robin) of Susquehanna, PA and Matthew Kuchinski (Erica), of Indianapolis and several nieces and nephews.

 

A memorial tribute will be held on Saturday, June 5 from 11am-2pm at 

9505 Hillwood Drive, Suite 100

Las Vegas, NV 89134

 

Friends, family and colleagues are all welcome.

 

An additional memorial service is being planned for Philadelphia. Family, friends and colleagues will all be welcome. Information regarding this service will be made available in several days.

 

The family kindly requests those that wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to their favorite charity in remembrance of Joe’s life.  

Saturday
5
June

Memorial Service

11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Nevada Benefits Center
9505 Hillwood Drive, Suite 100
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Memorial service for Joseph Kuchinski
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