On the evening of October 15, 2023, Kuni Nakamura, age 55, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Rye, New York following a short battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Kuni was a beloved father, son, husband, and friend. He was born in Tokyo, Japan, moved with his family to New York when he was two years old, and then lived mostly in Eastchester. He graduated from Fordham Prep high school in 1986 and the Wharton Business School and University of Pennsylvania in 1990. He joined his father’s company, Advanced Polymer, Inc., later becoming the sole owner and Chief Executive Officer. In October 1997, he married Eileen Cheigh, and together they raised three children, Kenneth, Edward, and Kaylie in Rye, NY.
Kuni was a loyal friend known for his joyful Carpe Diem approach to life, entrepreneurial spirit, steadfast ability to get things done, generosity and willingness to always help others. He was active outdoors, walking with his dogs every morning, gardening, fishing, boating, and clamming during warmer months, as well as skiing. He also enjoyed driving his cars, collecting fossils and nautical antiques, and watching birds by the creek. A perfect day for him would include a meal with friends, drinking wine, and eating foods that he either grew or caught.
Kuni was an active member of his community, most recently volunteering as a board member of Fordham Prep and Long Island University, as well as dog-related causes and environmental conservation organizations.
Kuni is preceded in death by his father Toshio. He is survived by his wife Eileen, their children Kenneth, Edward, and Kaylie, his mother Chiyoko, his sister Kayoko, his nephew Shu, and dogs, Bentley, Charlie, Rusty, and Sammy.
The family will be planning a celebration of life in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund at Fordham Prep (In Memory of Kuni Nakamura ’86 – Fordham Preparatory School) or to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for patient financial assistance.
