Ronald L. “Ronny” Bunda, long time resident of Newton, NJ, formerly of Kenosha, passed away on May 12, 2010, at Newton Memorial Hospital due to complications from a brief illness. He was born in Kenosha County on October 31, 1933, to Lloyd and Lena (Byrd) Bunda. Ronald attended St. Marks and Mary D. Bradford. While in high school he was an honor student in 1950, 1951, 1952; junior class president; prom king in 1951; Kenosha Representative to Badger Boys State in 1952; President of the Art Club in 1952; played sophomore football and ran track in 1950 “Star”; and lastly was a member of the Esquire Club from 1950-1952. He also attended The Chicago Art Institute on a full four year art scholarship that he was awarded in 1952. He proudly served in the Naval Reserve. Ron was a self taught pianist by the age of 12; he went to Manhattan, NY, to entertain many private parties and clubs. He was also a designer for the famous Oleg Cassini. He also modeled for many fitness magazines. Ron also enjoyed showing his championship Australian Terriers at Madison Square Garden. He moved to NJ to continue entertaining. After retirement, Ron often volunteered his services at local NJ nursing homes. Multi-talented, Ron was an accomplished artist, a gourmet cook, great decorator, and he loved fine dining. The real love of Ron’s life was music, all music, and his family. He loved talking to strangers and hearing about their lives. His sense of humor was impeccable. Ron came to Kenosha each August to visit with family and friends. Ron is survived by family and dear friend, Rick Karabetsos; sisters, Marie Puterbaugh of Colorado Springs, CO, and Donna Bunda Richards of Kenosha; brother and favorite sister in-law, Richard “Dick” (Betty Eppers) Bunda of Vero Beach, FL; special cousin, Jeannette Romanowski; friends, Yolanda Perez, Julie Harbert, Capt. Mike, Annie Hamm and many others. He is further survived by extra special nieces, Carrie Richards, Becky Richards, Anne (Tim) Gustafson; and nephew, David (Robyn) Richards; and many great nieces and nephews. Ron achieved relationships with all he held close. We will miss Ron’s humor and wit. He was popular, easy going, had good taste and enjoyed life. We will miss him; he was one of a kind. A memorial service will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Friday, August 20th, at 11:15 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment at St. James Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please adopt a homeless pet, and please go out and have a good time.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Richard’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Claude Deltieure
It's with sadness and regret that I saw notice of Ron's passing. He and I were friends back in the 70s and 80s, and I will always remember him as an old-school gentleman with whom I could share my fascination with history. You could tell Ron had thousands of friends: many of them dead for centuries. It's like that when you delve into the past and get to know those who came before. Your world and appreciation of it expand exponentially. Ron lived in a greater world. And that was truly unusual in backwater Newton, where the today-and-now was enough for most. With his knowledge and musical talent, all delivered in that soft-spoken style, he rated the term "distinguished." Knowing Ron enriched my life, and I thank him for it. I hope it's some consolation to his family that I will always remember him.
Dolores Stupey
May 14, 2010
I am so very sorry, but also glad that the Bunda family came into my life. Even after Lena passed away Ron continued to visit Kenosha during the summer months and I would see him and we would always share memories of the good times and the bad. He was a friend( no matter how long the absences were between visits), that I could count on for a smile, a hug and good conversation.I was just thinking about him yesterday, knowing that I would see him soon.God bless you all,I will miss my friend,Ronny.Love Dolores
Carolyn McColly
May 14, 2010
I used to work in the insurance agency downstairs from Ron's apartment in NJ. Although Ron was a quiet man, I did get to know him a little bit. I loved hearing him play the piano and also got to see his collections and artistic talent when we would take care of his apartment and mail when he was vacationing in Wisconsin. My condolences to Ron's family and to Rick. Ron was a very good man.Carolyn McColly
Mike Arsier(Capt. Mike)
May 14, 2010
Summer will be a little sadder without Ron's presence. My sympathy to his family and friends.Ron used to come in the bar and play the upright piano that I had. It was a delight and that's how we became friends.I leassed the bar out for awhile and took the piano home. When I returned to business I bought a real good electric piano. I tried so hard to get Ron to play this piano. He just did not like it. It was like the monolithe in "2001". One day, we were alone in the bar and I got him to try it. He started to get into it and then someone walked into the room. That was it. He never got near "the thing" again.I'll miss him. The band in heaven, just got better.
Pat Gensicke
May 13, 2010
Donna,Marie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Enjoyed seeing Ronnie last summer.I always remember how I enjoyed coming to your home and listening to Ronnie play thepiano for us.Sincerely, Pat Gensicke