William John Bunka, a former Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Korean War Veteran, New York City Police Department Detective and Local 580 Ironworker who spent most of his life building and defending New York City died June 25 at his home in Apopka, Fla. He was 85.
His wife, Evelyn, was by his side after a stomach cancer diagnosis in early May until his death.
Bunka, who fought in the Korean War at 17 after lying about his age to serve in the U.S. Army with the 364th Infantry Regiment is a decorated veteran earning the Bronze Service Star with Valor after two years and one month of service.
In July, 1953, after returning from the war as a sniper, Bunka was introduced to his soon-to-be wife Evelyn by his father William Joseph Bunka.
“He was shy and was a bit embarrassed by his father introducing us, but we dated and fell in love,” Evelyn said of their courtship. “We always went to the movies, because that was the entertainment in New York City back then.”
After dating for 21 months “Bill” and Evelyn married at St. Stephen’s church on May 7, 1955.
After a short time in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, they moved to Flushing, Queens to raise their three children.
In 1961, Bunka joined the New York City Police Department as a beat patrol officer. Working his way up the ranks to a third grade detective. Bunka routinely investigated complex drug operations, mob activity and homicides until his retirement from the NYPD in 1986.
Bunka then joined the Local 580 Ironworkers building many of the skyscrapers that define the Manhattan skyline. In 1986, Bunka worked on the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, hanging high above the landmark — evening putting in the iconic windows in Lady Liberty’s crown.
In 1996, he and his wife Evelyn moved to Apopka, Fla. to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
“He had been retired and ready to come to Florida to be with the family. Once we got here, I never desired to go back,” Evelyn said. “We have had a wonderful 21 years with our family in Florida.”
In retirement, Bunka and his wife Evelyn traveled the globe together and with their children and grandchildren; criss crossing the United States and the Atlantic Ocean visiting Ireland, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Russia, Scandinavia and Caribbean Islands.
Bunka enjoyed a retirement of making memories with his family, attending graduations, band concerts, kids sporting events, science fairs, watching his beloved Florida Gators and most importantly, having a Yuengling at the end of a hot Florida day.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Patricia, William and Christopher; and two grandchildren, Gregory and Steven.
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A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mt. Dora, Fla. on Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to:
Hospice of the Comforter 605 Montgomery Road Altamonte Springs, FL 32714