William John Bunka, a former Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Korean War Veteran, New York City Police Department Detective and Local 580 Ironworker who spent most of his life building and defending New York City died June 25 at his home in Apopka, Fla. He was 85.
His wife, Evelyn, was by his side after a stomach cancer diagnosis in early May until his death.
Bunka, who fought in the Korean War at 17 after lying about his age to serve in the U.S. Army with the 364th Infantry Regiment is a decorated veteran earning the Bronze Service Star with Valor after two years and one month of service.
In July, 1953, after returning from the war as a sniper, Bunka was introduced to his soon-to-be wife Evelyn by his father William Joseph Bunka.
“He was shy and was a bit embarrassed by his father introducing us, but we dated and fell in love,” Evelyn said of their courtship. “We always went to the movies, because that was the entertainment in New York City back then.”
After dating for 21 months “Bill” and Evelyn married at St. Stephen’s church on May 7, 1955.
After a short time in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, they moved to Flushing, Queens to raise their three children.
In 1961, Bunka joined the New York City Police Department as a beat patrol officer. Working his way up the ranks to a third grade detective. Bunka routinely investigated complex drug operations, mob activity and homicides until his retirement from the NYPD in 1986.
Bunka then joined the Local 580 Ironworkers building many of the skyscrapers that define the Manhattan skyline. In 1986, Bunka worked on the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, hanging high above the landmark — evening putting in the iconic windows in Lady Liberty’s crown.
In 1996, he and his wife Evelyn moved to Apopka, Fla. to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
“He had been retired and ready to come to Florida to be with the family. Once we got here, I never desired to go back,” Evelyn said. “We have had a wonderful 21 years with our family in Florida.”
In retirement, Bunka and his wife Evelyn traveled the globe together and with their children and grandchildren; criss crossing the United States and the Atlantic Ocean visiting Ireland, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Russia, Scandinavia and Caribbean Islands.
Bunka enjoyed a retirement of making memories with his family, attending graduations, band concerts, kids sporting events, science fairs, watching his beloved Florida Gators and most importantly, having a Yuengling at the end of a hot Florida day.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Patricia, William and Christopher; and two grandchildren, Gregory and Steven.
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A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mt. Dora, Fla. on Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to:
Hospice of the Comforter 605 Montgomery Road Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Mary Ann Novak says
I am saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May he Rest In Peace.
Evelyn, Pat, Billy, Chris, Gregory & Steven says
We little knew that morning
God was to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Gary Gorman says
Billy was a legend in the 23 when I was there. A good guy, great cop and mentor to many young guys and gals. God Bless you Billy and your family. Sincerely and respectfully. Gary G-23 Ida
Greg & Sarah says
Kevin Reilly says
I worked with Billy at the 23 in the early 70s. He was a great cop and a great softball player and I am sad to hear of his passing. Even though l was a rookie, he treated me with kindness and respect and I am proud to have had him as a friend
Maggie Rachel and Ruby says
Rest in Peace dear Bill. You always had a wonderful positive attitude towards life and enjoyed every day. I thought you would live forever . It was a pleasure to have known you and Rachel and Ruby loved the visits when you and Evelyn came to Ireland. Our sincerest sympathy to all the family.
Sue & Steve Thompson Steven , Lisa says
Sue , Steve, Steven, and Lisa says
I am so sorry of the passing of cousin Billy. My prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace. I loved when our family was together. We had good times. He will be missed.
Love
Susan and family
Lana and Rick Shale says
Lana and Rick Shale says
Dear Evelyn,
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace and solace in your memories as well as in the love from family and friends. We are honored to have known Bill and treasure the memories of time spent with him.
With deepest sympathy on your loss. Peace be with you.
Lana and Rick
Suzanne and Grady Bagley says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You posted a great picture because I remember that little grin was always on his face. A truly jovial man who was always fun to be around. We know his loss is so hard for you all to bear but I hope the fabulous memories sustain all of you until you are all together once again.
Theresa Novotny says
Theresa Novotny says
Theresa Novotny says
Rest in peace Uncle Bill. Since dad had died four years ago on July 1, you have been my rock. You will be very missed. I love you. I had great times when we were young and I cherish those times with both our families. I remember the time when mom was making meatloaf and she opened the oven door and the pan of meatloaf slide out of the oven right to you, Uncle Bill, and we all laugh. Love you. I can still hear your voice on the phone when you call me.
Robert Dalia says
I work with Bill in the early 70s he was a great cop taught me a lot very sad that he passed.
Robert Dalia says
Dick Walters says
I was stationed with Bill in Korea in 1953. We were in the same squad in Company G, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Division. Our squad leader was Norbert Pierce.
I was stationed with Bill in Korea in 1953. We were in the same squad in Company G, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Our squad leader was Norbert Pierce. At the time (January 1953) the Regiment was in reserve and we were living in 10 man tents and spent most of our time training and maintaining equipment. I found Bill to be a guy who, after knowing him for a short time, would be a lifetime friend. He was a big guy with a big heart. My intuition was proven to be true in May 2002 when we re-connected (thanks to the internet) and he paid me a visit at my home in Columbia, SC. After 2 or 3 months in reserve, we returned to the front lines. Bill’s tour was coming to an end and he took the opportunity to transfer to Battalion Headquarters and become a sniper. That, I believe, is when he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor. Bill and Norbert have both established pages on the 40th Div website where they have posted several pictures. I often thought of Bill over the years and was delighted when we got together. We have communicated via e-mail since that time and I always eagerly looked forward to receiving his messages. May he RIP and condolences to his family. DICK WALTERS.
BOBBY FREIMANN says
My sincerest condolences to the Bunka Family on the passing of a truly extraordinary man. I had the pleasure of working with Billy on the 23 Narcotics Car for a long time and became a good friend and was very proud to be called one of the Bunka Brothers. Billy will always be in my prayers and I will never forget him…
SFC Jim Sherry Sargent 1st class and wife Nancy says
Rest in Peace Bill. Our sincerest sympathy to all of the family.
Kathryn and Phil Ong says
To you and your family Chris , Phil and I pray for comfort and joy as you remember your Father and his amazing life. Reading just the short page about him and his adventures should be an inspiration to us all .
Norbert Pierce says
I am sorry for the loss of your love one. Evelyn, I will remember Bill in my prayers. The first time that I remember Bill was in early 1953 in Korea . We soon became good friends, then through the Korean War Project we reunited after 49 years. We stayed in contact through email until the end. I’m happy I got to talk to Bill the last week of his life.
“May He Rest in Peace.” His Brother in Arms, Norbert
Bill Kerrigan says
When I was assigned to the 23 Pct in 1968, Bill and the other “Bunka Brother” John Lamont worked in what was then the gambling car. Bill took the time to help out rookies and was, by all measure, one of the finest cops I ever met or worked with, anywhere in the department. A good and honorable guy, I am sorry to have learned of his passing.
bill kerrigann says