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Frank Buntin Obituary
He graduated from Classical H.S., Spfld, MA, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT and Brown Univ., Providence, R.I. Frank was a standout athlete in football, wrestling and track, an inductee into Classical's Sports Hall of Fame, a recipient of the prestigious Ted Plumb Award and was a member of the Brown Ivy League football championship team in 1976.
Frank retired in 2015 from the Mass. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation after serving the public for 33 years at many state parks. During his service to the department, he received many accolades including the Director's Supervisor of the Year Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commissioner's Council.
He leaves his loving wife of 25 years Cathleen (Opolski) Buntin, son Alexander Buntin of Lowell and daughter Natasha of Charlemont, his father, Frank H. Buntin, a dear sister Sabrina (Buntin) Woodgett (Walter), brothers Chad Buntin, Maurice Buntin, niece Sabrina Ivy, grandniece Sabrina Lily Ivy(Malcolm), nephew Tyrone Sanders, father's wife Jane Buntin, many aunts, uncles, cousins, adoring in-laws and friends, and loyal companion, Jack Russell, Boomer.
Frank was a devoted family man and focused on creating a wonderful home. He was a gifted landscaper and often found new purposes for old items.
Frank's gentle spirit and easygoing demeanor drew people to him and he brought out the best in them.
He was immensely proud of his two children, coaching their youth teams, attending dance recitals and school functions. He took great pride and comfort in seeing them grow into successful, caring and independent young adults.
Frank's passing has left a deep hole in the lives of those who survive him but we believe he joins beloved family and friends who predeceased him, including his mom, Ethel ""Bootsie"" Buntin.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Berkshire East Resort in Charlemont, MA Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorial at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mohawk Athletic Association at P.O. Box 111, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Buntin
Steve Housnick
July 15, 2025
I knew Frank and his cousin Erskine when they lived in Cal. We went camping up in Big Bear and had a great time but did a terrible time setting up the tent so much that the rangers that were there had a great laugh and even sent other rangers to come and have a big laugh themselves. Boy I miss " Franco" & Erskine so much, we had many laughs and good times when we were young. "Sammy Rye" my nickname. Miss you buddy! Steve
RonFrantz
August 27, 2022
A fellow Brother at DPhi Brown Univ. Someone we will never forget.
Barry Blum
August 27, 2020
Frank was our fraternity brother and a friend we all cherished. We honor him on this anniversary of his passing. May his memory always be for a blessing.
Debbie (Debien) Ziemba
November 20, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. We went to grammar school and High School together. He was always such a nice person and so smart!! His obituary is nice to read and hear that he led a beautiful life with a loving family. And left this earth far too soon. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.
Helen Spence
September 14, 2017
Even as a child Frankie's gentleness was his personality. We watched him grow from an infant to a fantastic young man. That his family has described him as loving caring seems to have continued his specialness. May your closeness as a family and loving memories comfort and support you. God bless you and keep you. My love to you Frank and Sabrina and all of the family.
Steven Spence
September 14, 2017
I've known Frank since we were children, babies actually. He was a couple years older than me and someone I always looked up to. The couple of years we spent together at Classical playing football and running track established lasting memories. We lost contact as adults but I remember him as always being his own person against all trends and to the endearment of many. I am sure he was loved by and will be missed by many. I convey my love and condolences to his family and those closest to him. Especially Sabrina and "Uncle" Frank Sr., love you both.
September 13, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Cathy. My sincere sympathy to you and the family. Betsy Lindberg
Tom & Sylvia Oakley
September 11, 2017
Sabrina and Walt, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. His landscapes I am sure will always be with you.
Cynthia Brundrett
September 11, 2017
I knew Frank from elementary school at Dorman School in the Pine Point Section of Springfield. We were in 5th grade together. We both shared a passion for reading. May memories of your loved one help ease your sorrows.
September 10, 2017
I played football and ran track with Frank, he was such a great athlete I would love watching him high step it through the opponents line really graceful. The last time I saw Frank was my JR year at Spfld college running sprints and just keeping in shape that was 1978.My condolences to his family, RIP Frank it was a pleasure to know you.
Michael Fabbri
Venice FL
Paul Jester
September 10, 2017
I met Frank freshman year at Brown. He was my next-door neighbor. He and his roommate Pat were two of the funniest guys I've ever met. They were the cool freshman football players and I was the engineer nerd but we all shared a goofy and fun demeanor that really helped carry me through a challenging transition from high school. I joined Frank's fraternity a year after he did and continue to enjoy his company and his humor and his music. His really loud music. Unfortunately we never reconnected after college. He was very tough to track down. It was very heartwarming to read his life story. I am so sorry for your loss. Our loss. Peace. Paul Jester. San Diego
Pia Brown
September 10, 2017
Always pleasant is how I remember my Brown classmate Frank Buntin. Rest peacefully among the angels.
Johanna Musselman
September 10, 2017
I was an acquaintance of Frank's at Brown and always remember him with a smile. It sounds like he had a loving family & rewarding career. Gone too soon!
Johanna "Yanna" Bergmans Musselman '79
Mark Smith
September 10, 2017
As a friend and Brother of Frank and DPhi at Brown University, I am said to hear of his passing. A great standup guy. RIP Brother, you have touched a lot of people and made positive influences on their lives.
Tim Faniel
September 10, 2017
I remember my Brothers Lenny and Steve talk about how good a football player he was at Classical HS. I remember going to the Games as a kid and seeing for myself, how good he was. As a kid I remember meeting him..those guys were larger than life to me.Frank was a great role model. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jim Roberts
September 9, 2017
Frank Buntin was a great DPhi brother whose presence was greatly missed at our frat my senior year after he graduated the year before. He void was omnipresent that year after knowing him for 3 years. My condolences to his family who will have a much greater void without Frank in their lives, however their lives were enriched by having Frank for his vibrant lifetime.
Arthur Frank
September 9, 2017
I was Frank's roommate senior year at Brown with Barry Blum and Mike Martin. That was a great time and Frank was a good friend and suite mate. He was a good person and I am sure he will be sorely missed.
Russell Ellsworth
September 9, 2017
I didn't know Frank well, but we competed in High School against each other in Track & Field, and we were classmates in college. Sorry to hear of his passing. He was truly a wonderful person.
Ron Frantz
September 9, 2017
Frank was a fellow classmate, teammate and DPhi brother. So so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept our sincere condolences from my wife Julie Evans, fellow Brown Alum and I. We both spent our 4 years together at Brown with Frank.
Ron Frantz
September 9, 2017
So so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I just had a conversation with a fellow DPhi and Brown classmate about Frank. We hadn't heard of his whereabouts but would have loved to connect with him. We enjoyed 4 great years together at Brown, playing football together, having great times at DPhi. Sad news. To Franks family please accept my sincere condolences from my wife Julie Evans, fellow Brown alum and I.
Robert Spence
September 9, 2017
Dear, dear Frankie, a great loss to his family and friends. He was loved by so many for his great spirit and strong family ties.
He will be missed by all who knew him. My personal condolences to father, sister brothers and his extended family.
Bob Spence and family
September 8, 2017
FRANK WAS A GREAT GUY PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WITH HIM MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY DINO SCIBELLI
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