Charles Bakunas

Charlie was the most influential teacher I ever had. He saw the potential in his students even when it was unknown to them. He drove me to every state competition and we flew to the nationals together in 1967. Both my parents had passed away by then and he went out of his way to spend time with me. We would go to New York to see shows and he would expose me to as much theatre as he could. I will always remember him as the brilliant, compassionate and funny gentle man he was. What fortune to...

Wow he was great!! I was a student of his in the 80's and I remember he used to sell mentos candy!! Thanks for the memories!!

Happy Anniversary in heaven ..you were special!

I graduated in 66 and Mr. Bakunas coached me to win the NJ forensics first place dramatic that year. I had enormous respect for him and his gentle coaching style. He told me what was going to work for me as a monologue, against my wishes, and it did. He was right. I am only sorry I didn't contact him before his death. I would have embraced him. Larry Holpp, RD 66.

Mr. Bakunas is the source of so many of my happiest memories of River Dell. He was so much more than a remarkably talented teacher and drama coach: He was an incredibly warm and wonderful human being. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know “Uncle Charlie”—as we Forensics Club members fondly called him—always appreciated his gentle guidance, his encouragement and support, his marvelous sense of humor, his kindness, and his friendship. Thanks to his extraordinary coaching skills, I went...

I was a member of River Dell's class of 1982. Mr. Bakunas was, without a doubt, a teacher that made more than just an impression...he made an impact. I was a shy, soft-spoken person who was very nervous making presentations. Well, his Public Speaking class (taught in the "portables") changed my life. I'm now going into my 25th year of teaching. I can honestly say that his lessons really stuck. He truly got the most out of me, and I had so much respect for him. I remember Mr. Bakunas really...

Who could forget the musicals at River Dell and Mr. Bakunas's enthusiastic participation and encouragement? I feel fortunate to have had the chance to talk to him at RD Class of '61's 50th reunion last year. He was a wonderful man and his family and friends will miss him.
Karen Anderson Coghlan