HERBERT R. BUNTING
HERBERT R. BUNTING
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HERBERT BUNTING Obituary
Born in 1920, Herbert R. Bunting is now at peace, having passed quietly on February 13, 2020 at his daughter's home in the North Hills. He grew up in Coraopolis, earning his BS in Music Education from Duquesne University. In 1942, he married Coraopolis native Wanda McBride (predeceased). Herb then served 38 months with the US Army's 99th Infantry Division Band in WWII/Germany. He attained his Masters in Fine Arts on classical piano in 1948 from then Carnegie Tech. As members of the Greatest Generation, he and Wanda bought their house in 1951, to raise their daughter Lark and son Kurt. Herb was a hard-working high school orchestral music teacher with Pittsburgh's City Public Schools, retiring in the early 1970's, after seven years at Avonworth High School, then 13 years each at Oliver and Taylor Allderdice High Schools, including some years teaching AP English Literature. Herb also taught private music lessons, and Saturday afternoon music composition, history and individual instrumental classes at the Pittsburgh Board of Education's Center for the Musically Talented (early 1970's). His cool side came out as lead trumpet on ballroom dance band gigs 1970's – early 1990's with Barry Blue and his Orchestra, playing most Saturday nights around the tri-state area. Donations in Herbert R. Bunting's name go to Carnegie Library's Music Department at www.fmlpittsburgh.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Richard McCall
March 14, 2020
Mr. Bunting was my favorite teacher when I was a student at Oliver High School from 1953 1957. I played trumpet in both the school band and orchestra all four years. He suggested that I try out for the Pittsburgh Public Schools All City Band and All City Orchestra. Thanks to his prompting, I was selected to be in them during my sophomore, junior, and senior years and enjoyed this unique opportunity to play with some of the best student players from all the city schools. I imagine? that he also recommended me to audition for the Pittsburgh Symphony Jr Orchestra and I was chosen. What a privilege it was as a teenager to play beside a professional, adult symphony player for a concert at Carnegie Hall with conductor William Steinberg.
One of my favorite memories at Oliver was playing Vavaldi's Concerto for two trumpets in Bb after school hours with Mr. B. playing the 1st trumpet part and me on 2nd. It helped me appreciate baroque music and improve my double tonguing. I took a few private lesson from him at his home after I was married which helped me as a comeback player to resume playing so I could play solos at our church frequently during the years. I still thoroughly enjoy my trumpet daily practice and am currently playing in a College/Community band in a nearby town.
Some things are made to be! Just THIS AFTERNOON, I was sorting through memorabilia saved by my parents since I was a youngster which included programs that I played in during high school (Mr. Bunting as director), with the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, and church solos played frequently here in our church. So . . . just out of curiosity, I typed Herbert Bunting Pittsburgh PA into Google to see if, by chance, he might still be around. To my surprise, I found the listing of his passing in February. It made these memories and my trumpet pleasures through life that much more meaningful. I am indeed sorry for all of you and offer my very sincere sympathy to one and all. You have surely been blessed by sharing life with such a truly caring, talented, and friendly man!
I'll dig out Valvidi's concerto from my music stash and play it once again tomorrow when I practice.
Sincerely, Rich McCall
susan haught
February 29, 2020
I was his student in the 60's at oliver high school. a wonderful man and teacher. he made you love playing music.
Keith Schwartz
February 20, 2020
I am saddened to see Herb has passed. I first met Mr. Bunting while I was in the All-City Orchestra and while I participated in the Center for the Musically Talented. I caught up with Herb again when I returned to Taylor Allderdice as a teacher. He was a super nice man to both students and faculty. Herbs passing brings an end to an era. Herb, along with Stanley Levin, Walter Voyvodich, John Keheyas, and Henry DiPasquale joined together to shape the creative talents of so many young Pittsburgh musicians. Even now in my mid 60's, I am still performing.
I know Herb will be missed and will never be forgotten.
February 19, 2020
May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.
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February 19, 2020
Please allow me to express my deepest condolences for your loss. I pray that the God of all comfort grant you peace at this time.
February 19, 2020
"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time, we wish them strength and may the God of all comfort give them all the support and courage needed.
Donna Chapman
February 18, 2020
My friend and client Mr.B you will remain one my favorites over the years I've helped you as well as many others. You were special to me and will remain in my heart. I am sad that I didn't see you through to your final day but was told you slipped away quietly which I had expected you to do. You knew it was coming and were ready.No more pain and struggles.You are at last free. My sympathies and prayers are with you Lark and Bill and Kurt. May your memories live on in your heats and minds and give you peace.
February 18, 2020
I was in his class at Allderdice HS in the 1980S and enjoyed him as a teacher and a person. I recall some of his stories in the army band while serving our country in WW II. He also had a great sense of humor !
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