Joseph Buncie Sr.

Obituary

Joseph Michael Buncie Sr., 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 31, 2004 in his home. Joe, 'Bunce', to his friends and many colleagues was born in Whitney, PA on September 12, 1934. He graduated from Derry Area High School, Derry Pennsylvania, in 1952. Following his passion for music, he graduated from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education.

After a long and successful career in education, writing, and arranging in both New York and Pennsylvania, Joe retired to Fort Myers, Florida in 1994. Here he picked up the trombone that he put away so many years before and began playing again professionally. He was a member of The First Assembly of God Orchestra, 'Fred and Company', The Haffencapell, and his own 'Joe's Bunch'. His love of music and students, however, lead him out of retirement, and Joe began teaching in Florida, first for Lee County School District, then at the Fort Myers Christian School.

Joe was also working with the staff at the Florida Brass Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps where he was writing, arranging and instructing the brass line. He was also a member of ASCAP - the Association of Songwriters, Composers, and Publishers.

Mr. Buncie is survived by his mother, Katherine Buncie, wife, Janet M. Buncie of Herminie, son, Joseph Michael Buncie Jr. (Richmond, VA), daughters, Rebecca Cugliari (Neshanic Station, NJ), Vikki Jo Gilmore (Pittsburgh, PA), Cassandra Jo Ann Buncie (Ft. Myers, FL). He has two grandsons, Eric Buncie and Joseph Cugliari, and three granddaughters, Alissa Cugliari, Amanda Gilmore and Sarah Gilmore.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 2, (TODAY) from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, with a memorial service at 8 PM at the North Fort Myers Memorial Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers. Burial will be in Pennsylvania. Arrangements by North Ft. Myers Memorial Funeral Home. 995-1113.