Harvey Lee Bunch, Jr.

Life is a Journey, not a Destination



Harvey Lee Bunch, Jr. Passed away suddenly in early July, 2025. He was born, raised, and lived most of his life in or near Philadelphia.

Harvey graduated from Bok High School in 1962, where he was elected Class President. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Physics from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA. He furthered his education with courses in Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. His career spanned over 40 combined years at General Electric Aerospace in the Re-entry Systems Division, then later Lockheed Martin. He was instrumental in designing electrical systems for space capsules and avionic system simulators, and he served as Chief Engineer for Design Maintenance for USAF MM III Reentry Systems.

With his many interests and accomplishments, Harvey was a true Renaissance Man, "a man for all seasons." Throughout his life, Harvey enjoyed the outdoors with activities such as jogging, hiking, camping, farm life, raising steers, breeding German short-haired pointers, horseback riding, and visiting wildlife preserves. He enjoyed attending polo matches and the Radnor Hunt. During a significant part of his adult life, he was an avid sailor, ultimately serving as Commodore of the Philadelphia Liberty Sailing Club in 1999. Harvey was a seasoned skier even into his final years. Over the years, he shared his love of skiing with family and friends, introducing his children and grandchildren to the sport. His ski jacket boasted many patches from ski resorts in the US and abroad. His multi-patch jacket always sparked conversations with fellow skiers who noticed it.



In the early 70's Harvey designed and built a farmhouse for his family, and years later served as general contractor for another house he designed.



Known for his cooking, Harvey was a master of many culinary skills, developing detailed menus for dinners, brunches, and wine tastings held at his home. Harvey enjoyed dining at fine restaurants, traveling, and going to the movies. Harvey loved art, museums, and the performing arts, including plays and opera. He was a long-time member of both the Barnes Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He was an intellectual who enjoyed attending lectures hosted by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. He was also a prolific writer, writing about his experiences and thoughts throughout his life, whether it be a poem about his farmstead, a monthly newsletter for his sailing club, a skit for a family gathering, documenting his travels or a family gathering, or an essay about his favorite opera "Porgy and Bess". And at Christmas time, he often dressed as Santa Claus, giving his famous rendition of the "Night Before Christmas."



Harvey had a lifelong passion for genealogy. He researched, documented, and shared his family's history, culminating in his authorship of a family history book shelved at the Mormon Family Search Library.



A lover of fine wines, Harvey educated himself about wine and enjoyed acquiring and tasting the finest wines. He often stated that life is driven by cabernet sauvignon, his favorite wine variety.



Of all his interests, none compared to Harvey's passion for the Philadelphia Eagles. A season ticket holder since 1981, 44 years, Harvey never missed an opportunity to sing the Fight Song and stayed on cloud nine for many months after the Eagles' 2018 and 2025 Super Bowl wins.



Beyond his professional and personal pursuits, Harvey was known for his generous spirit, particularly in seizing opportunities to guide younger generations in their career aspirations.



Harvey is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, one great-grand child; a brother, sister, life partner, a host of nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey L. Bunch, Sr. and Helen Bunch, and two brothers.



Lovingly submitted,

The Family