Obituary of William K. Bunk, PhD.

DELMAR- William Killeen Bunk, PhD, a scholar and gentleman, writer, storyteller and wit, died February 28, 2023 of three different stage 4 cancers, which he had fought bravely for many years. His beloved wife of 40 years was at his side. Bill was born December 8, 1942 in Bay Shore, LI, the second child of Mary Rose Killeen and Louis John Bunk. He grew up in East Islip LI with seven siblings, three of whom died in infancy .He was also predeceased by his brother Francis, killed by the arrogance and folly of the United States' war on Vietnam in 1970, and by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Otto, in the Covid epidemic. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nelly Brown Bunk, siblings Jack (Trudi) of LI, Bridget Eadon (late George) of Ballston Spa, Gina Cseh (Bob) of Enosburg, VT; children Eleanor Bunk of Albany, Liam Bunk (Stephanie Bonesteel) of Latham and Francis Bunk of Delmar; granddaughters Josephine Giuliano of Delmar and Louisa Giuliano of Albany Bill graduated from Seton Hall High School, the State University of NY at Stony Brook ( BA in History) and SUNY Albany (MA and PhD, Intellectual History). His doctoral Dissertation, “Lewis Mumford and the World Wars,”was widely admired. While a doctoral student, Bill was chosen for a residency at the Institute for Humane Studies in Menlo Parks, CA Bill and Nelly were married in 1983, and raised their children on Chestnut Street in Albany, and then in Delmar. Bill taught history part time at several area colleges, earned his Master Electrician License with the highest score ever recorded in the city of Albany, and founded Bill Bunk Electric in 1984 He was considered by all who knew him to be extremely competent, diligent and honorable. He also ran the Albany Licensed Plumbers Apprenticeship program for many years. Bill was a loving, kind and generous husband, father, and grandfather, brother and friend. He read widely and deeply in all genres, and, as his son Francis says, could “put together a narrative of the events of the world from ancient times until now in such a way that you could see the through line in 20 minutes.” He loved family life, intellectual pursuits, and creating stories. He greatly enjoyed great food, a martini, and laughing with family and friends .He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Delmar, where he served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, Faith Formation teacher, and Choir Husband. He was a jewel of a man! The wake will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, from 4-6PM in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054. Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at 12 Noon, on Saturday March 4, 2023 in the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Central Kitchen, Doctors Without Borders, or St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Cremation Arrangements were entrusted to: Simple Choices, Inc. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Bunk Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com