Obituary of Eileen Jankunis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eileen Jankunis, who died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on July 12, 2025.

Born on July 30, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, to Walter and Sally Bernstein, Eileen was raised in the Bronx. From an early age, she was known for her calm, sunny disposition and her gentle caring for others. She was academically accomplished, earning an MBA from Seton Hall University, a foundation she used to pursue a career helping others. 

Eileen's professional life was a reflection of her deep compassion and sense of purpose. She particularly cherished her time as Executive Director of Head Start Community Program of Morris County, from which she retired after more than 18 years. During her time there, Eileen was known and respected for her leadership style- at once, tough, fair and caring. Her approach helped accomplish a significant increase in the number of children and families served by Head Start, the opening of an Early Head Start program and the addition of new programs and supports for families. It also fostered a warm family atmosphere at Head Start, where she was beloved by staff, teachers, children and families alike. 

In addition to her professional contributions, Eileen served on a number of non-profit boards throughout her career, including the United Way of NJ and Washington Township Public Library.  She also was a dedicated member of the Washington Township Board of Education, serving as board president during a time of significant growth and transformation in the school district. 

Her greatest joy was her family. Alongside her beloved husband of 60 years, Tom, she lovingly raised three children- Greg, Alayna and Bethany. Her family was the heart of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them, as they have with her.

Eileen’s calm presence and gentle demeanor warmed every room she entered. Her kindness, quiet humor, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she leaves behind; her husband, Tom Jankunis, daughters, Alayna and Bethany, and sister, Aimee Bernstein.

If you would like to honor Eileen’s memory, please consider making a charitable contribution to Children’s Aid and Family Services, an organization that helped make Eileen’s family bigger and brighter. Memorial donations can be made in her memory by way of: www.inmemof.org.

Hours of Memorial visitation and remembrances for Eileen will be held from 4 to 6 PM on Friday, July 18, at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834. www.normandean.com. Please use this time to share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to keep Eileen’s light shining.