Basking Ridge Navy Veteran, Business Owner Dies at 92

A Navy veteran who fought in six Pacific invasions, Basking Ridge resident, Robert Bunsa, was known for his sense of humor and joyful faith.

Robert Jerome Bunsa Sr., 92, of Basking Ridge died peacefully at Fellowship Village on Wednesday, Jan. 21. He was born July 4, 1922 to the late August and Elizabeth Rahl Bunsa in McAdoo, Pa. He had thirteen brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded him in death, according to his obituary.

As part of the “Greatest Generation” who enlisted in World War II, Bob Bunsa served in the Pacific Theatre from 1942 to 1946 while on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Fighting in six Pacific invasions, one at Iwo Jima where he saw the Marines famously raise the American flag. He received various honors, including three bronze stars for heroism and meritorious service.

After the war Bob attended Niagara University and was graduated cum laude in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He began work as an accountant for Bethlehem Steel before entering sales with the Burroughs Corporation.

Bunsa then joined the family business, Swingle Diners, Inc., and later pursued residential real estate to work closer to home. He started his own successful business, Bunsa Realty, in 1971. For more than 35 years Bob did his utmost to provide outstanding service to his clients, many of whom became his lifelong friends.

Strong Christ-centered faith distinctly marked Bob’s entire life—a faith that he deepened over the years and gladly shared with others. A longtime parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, he served in the Holy Name Society and as a chairman of adult education, a lector, a catechism instructor and a core team member of the Bread of Life prayer group.

For seven decades Bob was a daily communicant; he also maintained a passionate devotion to the rosary and Eucharistic adoration.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his large family and cherished their annual vacations at the shore. He proudly cheered on his children and grandchildren in various sports and activities, always sharing in their accomplishments with great enthusiasm.

Others appreciated Bob for his friendly personality, lively encouragement, sense of humor and joyful faith. Often his parting words to family and friends were, “Walk with the Lord and be a blessing!”

Bob dearly loved his wife of 52 years, Mary S. Bunsa, who preceded him in death in 2007. Together they raised six children: Mary Jo Calamai (husband Bob) of Ridgefield, Conn., Robert Bunsa Jr. (wife Karen) of Pennington, Beth Finn (husband Steve) of Ivyland, Pa., Brother Joseph Rahl Bunsa of Tallahassee, Fla., Fred G. Bunsa (wife Donna) of Basking Ridge and Ann M. Walker (husband Rick) of Peachtree City, Ga. Bob and Mary Bunsa also left a legacy of faith and family to 21 grandchildren, who knew Bob as their beloved “Pop-Pop.” He was also known as joyful “Uncle Bob” to many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held in the chapel at St. James Church in Basking Ridge on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26 at St. James Church. Those who wish to pay final respects may also do so from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. before mass. The burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bob and Mary’s favorite charity: “Brotherhood of Hope” at P.O. Box 440118, Somerville MA., 02144 or online.

For more information or to send condolences to the family click here.

Obituary and photo courtesy of Kearns Funeral Home.

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