Victor J. Kinnunen

Victor J. Kinnunen, a distinguished attorney and devoted Episcopal priest, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, faith, and dedication.

Born in Meadville, PA, in 1936 to Dr. John Martin Kinnunen and Charlotte Johnson Kinnunen, Victor's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his community and to his dual vocations in the legal field and the Episcopal Church.

Victor graduated from Meadville High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1958. He received his LL.B. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1962. He began his legal career as a law clerk in Meadville with P. Richard Thomas, and moved to Titusville after becoming a partner with Eckels, Stegner, Blystone (later Eckels, Blystone, Fuller, Kinnunen, Smith, Miller, Petruso and Gamble) where he practiced for many decades. His areas of specialization included personal injury, trusts and estates, real estate, wills, and general practice. He also served as President of the Crawford County Bar Association and was especially proud to have been admitted to argue a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Victor was recognized as a BV Distinguished attorney, reflecting his professionalism, expertise, and ethical standards.

Victor's calling to the Episcopal Church was equally profound. Over the years, he held numerous leadership roles that reflected his deep and abiding faith. He served as a lay leader and Senior Warden at St. James Episcopal Church in Titusville, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Lay Leader for diocesan Cursillo, and lay Deputy to the Episcopal General Convention in 1982. He was ordained as a deacon on October 16, 1982, and as a priest on September 8, 1990. Throughout his ministry, Victor served parishes in Franklin, Corry, Titusville, DuBois, Meadville, Oil City, Bradford, Lake City, Youngsville, and Warren. He was known for his compassionate pastoral care, thoughtful sermons, and deep commitment to church outreach.

Victor also devoted himself to community service. He offered pro bono legal services to those in need and served on numerous local boards and committees. He co-founded Titusville Area Youth Football and served as its president for 25 years. He was also active with the Titusville YMCA, where he served on the board, and earlier in his career, he was President of the Hotel Association of Titusville. He was a member of the Titusville Country Club, the Titusville Elks Club, and the Titusville Rotary Club, where he served a term as president.

A lover of music, Victor sang with the Conewango Clippers barbershop chorus, the Highwaymen barbershop quartet, and the choir at St. James Episcopal Church for many years. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast and an avid supporter of the Titusville Rockets, Allegheny Gators, Pitt Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also loved traveling and relished sampling local cuisine and beverages during his journeys with family.

Victor is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Kinnunen; his children, Vic Kinnunen and Rebecca Kinnunen Edwards and her husband, Bill; and his cherished grandchildren: Alex Edwards (wife Tawni and great-grandson Atlas), Alyssa Edwards (partner Dylan Caldwell), and Victor, Reid (spouse Noah Skinner), Martin, and Anthony Kinnunen. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose memory will be treasured by all who knew him.

Victor J. Kinnunen's life was a testament to the power of dedication, service, and faith. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and parishioners. May he rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Memorial Episcopal Church on Thursday, May 1st at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Adam Trambley, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Memorial Episcopal Church, Titusville Area Youth Football, or the Titusville YMCA.
 

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