David Tevis Bunin

David Tevis Bunin

Wynnewood, PA - Age 94, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021.

His musical talents, handsome smile, intelligence, humor and kindness was a gift to all who knew him. He was a loving and devoted husband to his beautiful wife Ilene for 63 wonderful years! He was loved and adored by his three children Thomas, Royal, and Amy, and their families. Thomas Bunin and wife Diane (grandkids Carl and Melissa, great grandkids MacKenzie, Griffin and Olivia), (grandchildren Nick and Angela, great grandkids Riley, Ryder and Whitney), (grandkids Kenny and Vivian, great grandkids Zach and Olive), Royal Bunin and wife Nicole (grandkids Garrett and Natasha), daughter Amy and husband Ken Sadanaga (grandkids Kimi, Austen and Jon). He was preceded in death by his older brother Norman Bunin, and the love of his life Ilene Ethel (Handelman) Bunin (1/20/17).

David's father Albert owned a drugstore on 4th Street in Wilmington, DE. His mother Jessie was a baker and entertainer, and older brother Norman was a writer. David learned the accordion and then the piano, taking lessons in Philadelphia and playing the piano whenever he could. He graduated HS mid-year so he could join the U.S. Navy during WWII, 11 days before turning 18. Following discharge, he obtained a BA in mathematics (minor in economics) from the University of Delaware in 1950, and began his career as an actuary initially working for the New York Life Insurance Company in NYC. He married Ilene Handelman from Wilmington in 1953 and they moved to Baltimore, MD to start a family, raising three children they loved and adored. Over the years David advanced in his career, becoming assistant VP & Actuary at Sun Life Insurance Company, and after relocating to Wynnewood, PA he become a consultant and an expert witness for the next 40 years. People who know him have commented, "David was best in his profession." His son Royal joined the firm of Bunin Associates when David was 56, and for the next 30 years father and son enjoyed a remarkable partnership. The last time David testified on the stand he was asked, "Mr. Bunin, do people really work to 66?" Mr. Bunin responded, "Well, I'm 86….!"

David had a special relationship with each of his three children: he was able to juggle the role of sole breadwinner and active father without ever missing a beat. David was the go-to parent for homework assistance even through college and because of his gentle nature, he was best proofreader ever enabling his children to not only correct typos but to augment their assignments through his wise criticisms and advice. Along with his wife Ilene, Tom, Roy and Amy were blessed with the best mother-father combination ever!

David was always into music and acting, and called himself the "Singing Actuary" at Toastmasters. He had a side job as the Sing-Along-Man, and was the life of many parties! He studied acting with Sidney Kaye, appeared in several plays and had his own play he wrote called "Thanks for Company" performed at the Wilma Theater in Phila. For many years he enjoyed playing and singing at local nursing homes with Ilene and later in life he recorded a CD titled "Dave Bunin Sings and Plays the Oldies!" All of his children and grandchildren inherited Dave's musical talents and daughter Amy continued to keep the music alive by playing duets with her dad up until the end.

Dave and Ilene were members of Main Line Reform Temple since 1970, each holding different positions and being involved in the Sisterhood, the Brotherhood, the choir and many plays. Together with his wife Ilene, over the years they hosted many crab feasts and parties at their home with fellow MLRT members and the two enjoyed trips to Cape May, to Elder Hostel classes and especially visiting their kids' families.

There wasn't a crossword puzzle Dave couldn't crack. He did the New York Times puzzle in pen and as was a wiz in scrabble. When his kids were still living at home, the Bunins enjoyed many trips together, to family holidays & get-togethers, educational trips and fun trips. After they had their own families, Dave's kids always enjoyed coming back to their childhood home to share the warmth of their parents love and acceptance with their own children. Dave and Ilene's love had no bounds. Following his retirement, Dave's greatest joy was just being at home, content to finishing out his years with his wife by his side. And after Ilene died, Dave continued to receive comfort and care and companionship from the wonderful caregivers at Neighborly Home Care, especially Margo Mason (may her memory be a blessing).

David T. Bunin, Radioman Second Class, USN, received Military Funeral Honors prior to a private interment service on January 26, 2021 at the Jewish Community Cemetery in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA, or the organization of your choice. Tom, Roy and Amy would like to express their deep appreciation for the comforting words of Rabbi David Straus, and to all the caregivers at Neighborly Home Care, especially Margo Mason.

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