Richard Kueny

Richard Sutter Kueny was born August 16, 1941, in Modesto, California. "Rich" graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Biology and received his MA in education from San Jose State University. Early in his career, he taught elementary school in Salinas, CA as well as at The Peninsula School in Menlo Park, CA. He spent the second half of his educational career teaching Chemistry and Biology at Menlo-Atherton High School. Following retirement, he relocated to Northampton to be closer to family. Rich was a free spirit who loved nature and ecology. He was a passionate cyclist and could be seen riding his bike throughout the Pioneer Valley (no matter the weather) into his late 70's. Rich's sense of adventure and love of the outdoors was a gift to all who knew him, especially during his years at the Peninsula School. In addition, Rich loved guitar, singing, and drama. He acted in several community theater performances in California, including a production of Of Mice and Men alongside a young Danny Glover. He also spent many years working on a stage adaptation of his favorite novel, Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. This culminated in a dramatic reading of the work in Northampton. After a brief illness with COVID, Rich passed away peacefully at Linda Manor in Haydenville, MA on December 30, 2023, at the age of 82. He is survived by his three children, Rachel Kueny of Brooklyn, NY, Jan Kueny of Ben Lomond, CA, and Tucker Kueny of Northampton, MA. In addition, he is survived by his six grandchildren, Isabella, Claudia, Jackson, Nathan, Noah, and Isaac. In place of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Lathrop Home, 215 South Street, Northampton, Ma. 01060