Obituary published on Legacy.com by Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Mar. 9, 2026.
Michael James Bunnell, known affectionately to all as Mike, was a man who could fill a room with laughter without even trying. Born on a sunny day in
Winooski, Vermont, on June 27, 1954, Mike's journey through life was one that brought joy and a touch of humor to everyone he encountered. Sadly, the curtain closed on his final act on March 6, 2026, in
Dunedin, Florida. His departure was due to liver disease, but it's fair to say he left this world much like he lived in it - with dignity, a smile, and probably cracking a joke or two.
Mike's early days in Milton High School were a prelude to the man he would become. He and his sister Brenda turned the AV Club into the 'Absolutely Vibrant' Club with their shenanigans. After his high school escapades, he took on the noble role of a Postal Worker, delivering more than just mail - he delivered smiles, friendly banter, and occasionally, the neighborhood gossip.
His best friend and partner in crime, Martha Bunnell-Pollak, will surely miss their shared adventures and laughter. His children, Justin, Ashley, and Corey, will carry forward his legacy of kindness and that knack for fixing just about anything - from a broken car to a bad day. Mike's siblings, Joan, Brenda, Mitchell, Debbie, and Judy, have a treasure trove of stories to keep his memory alive, from childhood capers to adult antics that only siblings can truly understand.
Mike had the kind of heart that was always open, a door that never seemed to close. He never met a stranger, mainly because by the time he was done with them, they were friends. His sense of humor was as reliable as a Swiss watch and just as well-crafted. He could find something to laugh about in any situation, a trait that made him a wonderful neighbor and an asset to every community board he ever served on.
He enjoyed rolling up his sleeves and diving into the engine of a car, or keeping up with the latest gadgets - his home was a temple to the gods of electronics. Traveling was also a passion, and he approached it with the same gusto as everything else in his life - a packed itinerary, a ready joke for fellow travelers, and a keen eye for a good diner.
Mike was friendly, gentle, kind - words that seem too simple to describe the complexity of the man but are nonetheless true. His gentle demeanor was the kind that could calm a storm, and his kindness was the sort that could warm the coldest day.
To say Mike will be missed is an understatement. He was the kind of man who leaves an indelible mark on your soul, the kind of man who changes the fabric of a community just by being part of it. As we bid farewell to Mike, let's do so with a smile, for that is how he would want it. Let's remember the laughter, the jokes, and the countless good times. For in our hearts and memories, Mike - our beloved comedian, father, brother, and friend - will forever be delivering joy.