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David Bunten Obituary
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passed at Lahey Clinic in Peabody on February 14, 2025. Beloved husband for 43 years of Maria (Caiani) Bunten. Loving father of David Jr. and his wife Erin Bunten. Proud grandfather of Connor and Tyler Bunten. Brother of Philip and his wife Cheryl Bunten, Cheryl Archer, Sandra Bunten, and Cynthia Glazier. Step-brother of Steven Bunten and Joanne Bunten. Adored nephew of Robert Ainsworth. Cherished Son of the late Audrey (Citroni) Adler and John Bunten. Beloved Son-in-law of the late Alec and Nora Caiani. David is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends including Jim & Andrea Trefry and Connie Cronin.
Music Performing Career -
* Marched in the Blue Angels Junior Drum and Bugle Corps, (ages 10-15)
27th Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps, Revere 1975-78
* Larry Drouin NightLighters, Salem
Inducted into the MA Drum Corps and Music Educator Hall of Fame
Music Teaching Career -
*** Reading Memorial High School 1981-2015 -music educator; concert band, jazz band, vocal ensemble, marching band director, drill designer
* NESBA board member
North Attleboro HS Band Director 1981-82
Beverly High School
* Arbella Drum and Bugle Corps
Andover High School Band
Triton Regional High School Band
Boston College Eagles Marching Band (5 yrs mid 90's)
Medford High School Band
Education -
Beverly High School, class of 1975, Drum Major, Beverly High School Marching Band
NS Community College
University of Lowell, bachelor's degree in Music Education, class of 1981
Services: Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home on Friday, February 21st, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm to Celebrate David's Life.
Funeral to be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial to follow in Wood End Cemetery, Reading.
In lieu of flowers, and in tribute to David's music teaching career, please make a donation to your local High School Band or Music Program, or to support their elementary, middle school level music programs.
With sincere appreciation,
Maria and Family
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Elizabeth Sorrentino
February 20, 2025
Mr B,
You left an impact on my life forever. I´ll never forget singing w you in the Jazz Combo, Chorus, and your auditions. I learned a lot in music theory. A life changer w a sense of humor to boot. Thank you. God Bless.
Caroline Morgan
February 19, 2025
Mr. B,
The profound impact you left as an educator on the lives of me, Annie, and the rest of our family resonates to this day. I'll always remember the afternoon lunches in the band room, the Wednesday night rehearsals in freezing temperatures, the grueling hot band camp days, the morning section leader/band officer meetings, the after school sectionals, and the countless hours spent at competitions, bus rides, football games, and more.
You always believed in me and had my back: whether it was writing my college letter of recommendation, encouraging me to learn a new instrument during my freshman year and setting up those lessons, being the only person to back Kelly and me up whenever we told the BPO not to leave their personal belongings in the band library (lol), sending flowers to my Nana's wake, writing me tardy excuse slips without any questions asked when I was running late for class (even when you probably shouldn't have! haha!), ensuring I had not one, but two scholarships from the band towards my college education, or even simply allowing me and my gaggle of awkward teenage band friends hang out in your office or the band room whenever we felt like it.
You made my high school years some of the best years of my life. Marching band gave my sister and I a place where we felt like we belonged and left us with friends we still have nearly 20 years later. Band helped us build character, taught us discipline, and pushed us beyond our limits. I miss those days and I'll cherish them for the rest of my life.
To the Bunten family, you have my deepest sympathies and condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man. Know that he is fondly remembered and missed by those whose lives he impacted. It's been almost 20 years since I joined the marching band in the summer of 2007, but not a day goes by where I don't think about the memories I made in those four years. It's all thanks to Mr. Bunten. He truly was, and always will be, legendary!
With love,
Caroline Morgan
Baritone Horn, Class of 2011
Marlena Roffi
February 18, 2025
Mr. Bunten,
Your passion for music and dedication to the RMHS marching band and color guard left a profoundly positive impact on your students. Your energy and enthusiasm created a strong sense of community, making every rehearsal and performance unforgettable. Many of my happiest high school memories were in marching band and color guard under your guidance. Thank you for teaching us discipline, camaraderie, and pride in our work and ourselves.
Martha Salz
February 18, 2025
Two of my sons marched in the RMHS Marching Band and Color Guard between 2008-2012 under the direction of "Mr. B.". He taught them structure, organization, timeliness ("if you're on time, you're late!"), and how to be a great musician. As a parent entering the world of marching band the practice and competition schedule was daunting at first, but I leaned in to it and the the sound of the drum line, horns and percussion became the soundtrack to our fall days. The students worked hard at competitions and represented RMHS at football games. Mr. B gave the students an opportunity to march at DisneyWorld and together with the band parents planned an unforgettable trip. I will personally cherish all the days my kids were in band and I know that the teaching and learning environment Dave provided made them who they are today. Rest in musical peace
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Melissa Herlihy-Bellavance
February 18, 2025
Mr. Bunten was one of my all time favorite teachers. I will never forget being in chorus with him as the director. He had the faith in us we needed at that age. We had the chance to perform our Christmas concert with bell choir. We never had the chance to rehearse with them before the concert, but he KNEW we could do it, he believed we could do it. That was the kind of teacher he was. Rest Easy Mr. Bunten. You are already missed
Cindi and Reggie
February 18, 2025
When our daughter joined the high school music program almost 30 years ago, David was building what eventually became a multi faceted organization that went on to win many accolades over the years we were involved. His dedication and teaching style helped to instill the feeling of community for all who were involved, and the life skills that the students carried on as they moved on to other things. We will remember him for all he gave to the community at large, but mostly what he gave to "his kids". RIP Dave - hope you are off playing the Tuba somewhere!
Giulio Binaghi
February 18, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the Bunten family. Dave was a good man, kind and compassionate, who like a candle, consumed himself to light the way for others. We shall surely miss his weekly texts and wonderful sports updates. RIP my friend.
Nancy D´Addario
February 18, 2025
Mr. Bunten was a class act and a truly talented teacher and band leader. I went on to study music at New York University, and I must say I was often disappointed by my instructors there, as they were never as good as the ones I had at RMHS, and he was at the top. He expected a lot, and he gave a lot. We were so lucky to have him.
Jody Roffi
February 18, 2025
Our family and the entire Town of Reading was graced by your talent. You made a positive impression on so many. God Bless you and your family.
Shelley
February 18, 2025
I remember Dave as an outstanding music/band educator for the Reading Public Schools who was passionate in his work and would speak up for what was in the best interest of his students.
Phil & Dottye Vaccaro
February 17, 2025
David was a very passionate and demanding band leader. He always gave it his all and expected the same from his band members. I always admired his work ethic. RIP good man!
"Deeefense" I´ll always remember that bark at football games.
D.J. Deeb
February 17, 2025
I am shocked and in disbelief. You were a legend, Dave Bunten. I will miss your weekly Friday updates and always cherish our friendship as well as the many years we taught together at Reading Memorial High School. I always looked forward to seeing you every Summer when I come up to my NH residence from Tennessee. Deepest condolences to your wife and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.
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335 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864
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