Obituary of Frederick J. Bunce

Fred Bunce obit
Date: May 27, 2020

Frederick J. Bunce, died Monday May 25, 2020 at his home in Housatonic surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born in Mill River on February 26, 1934 son of John and Mary (Markham) Bunce. He was a graduate of Mill River Central School Class of 1951. Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Korea. After his service, he returned home and worked at the Jenifer House. Fred had a career as a car salesman for Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC for 46 years. He worked for F.W Spalding and Sons, Whitaker Chevrolet, and Condor’s until his retirement in 2006. Fred had a love for life and family, living each day to its fullest. He was a member of the Earth Angels, he skied at Butternut until 80 years old, he loved dancing, was an avid tennis player, owned and rode a 1937 Harley Davidson and was an avid Red Sox fan. Fred loved going to school plays, concerts and sporting events at Monument Mountain especially the basketball games. Fred’s wife Julia (Rathbun) Bunce whom he married in 1954 predeceased him in August of 1975. Fred is survived by two daughters, Susan M. Bunce of MD and Mary E. Booton and husband Ian of Great Barrington, one sister, Lela Marion of Mobile AL, two grandchildren, Richard V. Cardillo and wife Katrina of Pittsfield and Dana M. Wood and husband Chris of Falls Village CT and one great granddaughter, Evelyn Julia Wood. In addition to his wife, Fred was predeceased by his son, Richard F. Bunce, daughter Julie M. Bunce, five brothers, John, Joe, Dick, Jim and Tom Bunce, two sisters, Nellie Stupak and Evelyn Small and three half-sisters, Etta Ives, Viola Detrola and Minnie Markham.

It is with deepest regret that Fred’s funeral service with Military Honors will be private out of concern for the health and safety of his friends and family due to the threat of Coronavirus. Fred’s family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date when his friends and family can gather. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in Fred’s memory may be made to either Hospice Care in the Berkshires, S.B.V.A.S. or Fairview Hospital in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME 33 South Street Great Barrington MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

27 Responses to Obituary of Frederick J. Bunce

  1. Teri Moro
    May 27, 2020
    at 11:48 am

    My deepest condolences to Mary, Sue, and their families. Keep your wonderful memories close to heart. Fred was loved by many. Dane with stars Fred❣️🕊

    Reply
    • Mary Wright
      July 26, 2020
      at 1:39 pm

      My deepest sympathy to all of Fred’s family.Fred was a kind and gently man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to you all. Mary Wright

  2. Thomas Soules
    May 27, 2020
    at 12:18 pm

    One of the most amazing men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing no matter when or where he always took the time to stop and say Hi to me and asked me how I was. I will miss the random run ins at the radio station the grocery store just walking down the street or through Housatonic. Rest easy uncle Fred Sending love

    Reply
  3. Leigh harvey
    May 27, 2020
    at 1:59 pm

    Is many memories uncle Fred was such a kind loving man more like a father to me danced many a dance with him shared many laughs with him

    Reply
  4. Donna Seymour Bunce
    May 27, 2020
    at 4:03 pm

    My sincerest sympathies to Sue and Mary and sister Lela. Fred will always remain in my heart. I love you brother in law. Keep Jim and the rest of the family safe up there. We shared many good memories together both there in Mass. but also in Maine.

    Reply
  5. Donna Seymour Bunce
    May 27, 2020
    at 4:08 pm

    My sincere sympathies to the family of Fred. Sue, Mary and his sister Lela. Fred shared many good memories both in Mass and Maine with Jim and I. You will be missed by many. I know your dancing with someone up there. I love you Fred.you’re one of the best.

    Reply
  6. karen [ stiles ] brusie
    May 27, 2020
    at 5:02 pm

    my thoughts and prayers go out to freds family and friends, he was the man, always a good time when fred was around, memories are what keeps us going just loved that man theres going to be a party up there, god bless all.

    Reply
  7. Richard Decker & Joanne Vargas
    May 27, 2020
    at 5:10 pm

    Sue & Mary and family Rick and I are at a loss for the right words to say. Fred will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. He was a one of a kind person and we are happy to have been even the smallest part of his life. We are sorry that we cannot be there for his funeral but we have our prayers with you to hopefully get you through your loss.
    Rick Decker & Joanne Vargas

    Reply
  8. Barbara Bailly
    May 27, 2020
    at 5:10 pm

    So sorry to hear about the passing of Fred. He was always kind & gentle.he was always the life of the dance party. . Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. 🙏🙏

    Reply
  9. Trish Morrow
    May 27, 2020
    at 5:34 pm

    Mary and sue, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet dad. I can tell
    You for sure that he will never be forgotten. His jokes will live on in me and LOTS of people, i’m sure! I’ll miss that smile, that laugh and the weekly kiss on the cheek. You always made me feel like one of the family, I so looked forward to our chats. I am the lucky one. The world is better because Fred lived in it. “86 is a good number” he’d always say. I know you’d all give anything for 86 more and honestly so would I. I’ll miss you Bunce! As we’d always say “be good” watch over that wonderful family. You did good my friend. Just look at Mary and Sue and the dedication they gave you. That says it all. I’m thinking of you ladies and of everyone that loved Fred. With love: Trish
    P.S. Don’t forget your scuba gear 😉 ❤️

    Reply
  10. Nadine Hawver
    May 27, 2020
    at 5:46 pm

    There are no words to express the pure joy of being in Fred’s company. The earth has a bit less joy but heaven is sparkling with that smile of his.

    Reply
  11. Rose Cronk
    May 27, 2020
    at 7:30 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wounderful soul.

    Reply
  12. Randall Lee Koldys
    May 27, 2020
    at 7:49 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Fred Bunce. He was a true angel on Earth. Anytime he ever showed up we were all the better for it. I am especially appreciative of the support he showed the Monument Mt. Boys Basketball team for so many years. One of the highlights of this past season was the chance to always go over and fist pump Fred and tell him thanks for his support. He was a gem of a person and will be hugely missed.

    Reply
  13. JEFFREY P CADEN
    May 27, 2020
    at 8:00 pm

    Dear Mary, Sue and the rest of the Bunce family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Freddie. Having had the privilege of working together for 20 years, I can honestly tell you it was a absolute joy to be around him everyday. I have great memories of having so much fun at work with Freddie. We laugh and joked around constantly, maybe too much for being at work. But the most important thing i gained from working with Fred was that he made me a better person. He always stressed to do the right thing and treat people the way you wanted to be treated. I will cherish my memories and I hope the have a big dance floor up above, I know you’ll be the first one out there. God Bless
    Jeff Caden
    Melbourne FL

    Reply
  14. Anthony Passetto
    May 28, 2020
    at 5:27 am

    Wonderful guy. Fred was our chaperone when the Monument Mountain band went to Texas. He was one of many seniors who rooted for the boys and girls basketball teams. The senior section would always help the referees when their call went against Monument! He had an infectious laugh that always made you feel great. .It was so great to see you at UMASS at the boys sectional and talk to you. You’ll be missed!

    Reply
  15. Deb Stjohn
    May 28, 2020
    at 9:11 am

    To all the Family you are all in our thoughts! RIP Fred 🙅‍♀️😘❤️

    Reply
  16. Marcia and Jane Slaminsky
    May 28, 2020
    at 10:15 am

    We are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We all adored him, especially our parents, Ben and Ruth. They always bought their cars from Freddie. We also always enjoyed him when he came into our store, Ben’s. Our thoughts are with you all.

    Reply
  17. John Jurgenson
    May 28, 2020
    at 1:39 pm

    My condolences to the Bunce family on the passing of Fred. Mary and Sue my deepest sympathies. Your father was an awesome guy.

    Reply
  18. Holly Steinberg
    May 28, 2020
    at 2:38 pm

    So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing
    He was a kind and wonderful man

    Reply
  19. Lynne Arienti
    May 28, 2020
    at 7:03 pm

    Sue, Mary, and family, My deepest condolences to you all. Fred was a wonderful man. Always struck up a conversation whenever I bumped into him when visiting in Gt Barrington or Housy. Peace and prayers to you all.

    Reply
  20. Rebekah Dellea
    May 28, 2020
    at 8:16 pm

    Our deepest sympathy for the entire Bunce family. Prayers for peace and comfort as only God can give during these times. Thanks for the dance Fred. I’ll never forget you. With love.

    Reply
  21. donna trapp
    May 28, 2020
    at 9:55 pm

    so hard to say goodbye to this bonny, bonny boy. dear Fred, we barely knew ye lo these 10 years back at home but oh what an amazing go’er of a gent you were. such a gentle man with just a the right amount of rascal thrown in for good measure. Freddie was a sight to behold on the dance floor. he’d grab a dolly and give her a whirl she’d never forget. short or tall, big or small; didn’t matter to Fred. he just loved to dance. thanks for the memories. rest well, dear one.

    Reply
  22. gary and Linda Hutton
    May 29, 2020
    at 9:30 am

    Mary, Susan and entire family:
    It is with sadness to learn of your fathers passing. The loss of a parent is a loss of the most basic relationship. We have fond memories of our relationship with him; his smile and humor; his love and pride of family; his genteelness.
    As we think back, what strikes us also is that he built relationships. Relationships that not only accounted for his extraordinary success in business, but, if one knew Fred, you knew everyone that he knew. He made everyone feel special and welcomed.
    We will miss him.
    With our deepest condolences,

    Reply
  23. Audrey Davis-Stok
    June 1, 2020
    at 5:22 pm

    Deepest sympathies to Mary, Sue and your families. Your Dad was one-of-a-kind. Always upbeat and so personable. Used to love seeing him out dancing the night away with his daughters! Peace to you all and heartfelt sympathy.

    Reply
  24. Julie Hannum
    June 1, 2020
    at 5:25 pm

    Mary, Susan and ALL of Fred’s family – It was always such a pleasure to be in Great Uncle Fred’s company – buying a car, chatting in the grocery store, on on the street, at the WSBS Sounds of Summer concerts (where Fred was ALWAYS dancing!), but especially at our wonderful extended family reunions! He set the highest bar for honor, integrity and kindness. What a great person! He will be sorely missed, and often remembered.
    With fond memories, Julie (Markham) & Steve Hannum

    Reply
  25. JoAnn Meyer
    June 2, 2020
    at 9:46 am

    Uncle Fred,
    Always and great light, sprite and a pleasure! We will miss him always!

    Reply
  26. Mary Wright
    July 26, 2020
    at 1:41 pm

    My deepest sympathy to Fred’s family. He was a kind and gentle man. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
    Mary Wright

    Reply

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