Christopher A. Bunsey
June 8, 1939-Nov. 19, 2020
Age 81, Chris was the love of the lives of Barbara (nee Filipski) (Maryellen, Deceased); loving father of Laura Munson (David), Daniel Bunsey (Diane), Karen Johnson (Scott) and the late Christopher K. Bunsey and Michael Bunsey, Ph.D.; dear grandfather of Britney Schultz; Amanda, Matthew, and Bryan Munson; and Beau and Michaela Johnson. He is also survived by siblings James Bunsey (Karen), Michael Bunsey, and Judy McCafferty (Patrick) and by Barbara’s sons Jeff and Steve.
For 30 years, Chris was a teacher and a coach at Greenview Jr High and Brush High School. He also taught at Tri-C and spent many summers working as head usher at Blossom Music Center where he felt lucky to work while listening to the Cleveland Orchestra. At the age of 50, he finished his 30th year of teaching and retired so, as he said, while he was still young and healthy, he could explore other options to help others.
After retiring, he and his late wife Maryellen moved to St. Croix to spend a year and a half volunteering as foster home parents, sometimes up to 10 at a time, to abused and abandoned children from the Island. After returning to Northfield for a few years, they then spent a year in Kentucky providing respite care to Appalachian families. Chris also volunteered in El Salvador refurbishing a school, playing piano at Light of Hearts Villa, at St. Barnabas church, and many other places.
After Maryellen’s passing, he met Barbara at church and they married in 2009. Together, they continued living life to the fullest. They enjoyed attending the Cleveland International Film Festival, shows at Playhouse Square and movies at the Cedar Lee. They traveled to Paris several times as well as frequent trips to Colonial Williamsburg where they were immersed in the historical community.
Chris was an avid reader – he always had a book in his hand (and in the car because “what if you got stuck in a traffic jam”) and he carried a pen in his pocket in case he needed to underline a passage. He wrote hundreds of beautiful poems, enjoyed sharing them at poetry slams, and some were published in books.
Chris enjoyed great dinners and great wine. A good vacation was often determined by the dinners enjoyed as much as the sights seen. He always had a smile on his face, a sparkle in his eyes, and a bounce in his step.
Chris and Barbara collaborated on a piece of art based on one of Chris’ six-word poems–”Don’t Look For Love, Just Love.” Chris was surrounded by love because he was filled with love.
Even while his health was fading, Chris knew he was surrounded by love. The day before he died, he was asked, “How are you today?” An answer wasn’t expected as he hadn’t said anything for several days, but that day he answered. He said “Good.”
All are invited to gather at St. Barnabas Catholic Church 9451 Brandywine Rd. Northfield, Oh. Where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday Nov. 23, 2020, at 11 a.m. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). OUT OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER MASKS WILL BE WORN AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, at the request of the family, please refrain from greeting the family prior to or immediately following the Mass. To allow all who loved Christopher to grieve together a live stream of the service will be available at http://webcast.funeralvue.com/
