Ralph Milon Bunker, 66, passed away on Friday evening, October 16, 2009 at the Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH. Ralph was born in Derry on May 16, 1943, the son of the late Milon and Julia (Siemiezs) Bunker. He resided in Derry all of his life. Ralph attended Derry Schools and earned his GED. He was a very proud and dedicated member of the Derry Fire Department for 28 years. He joined the Department as a Callman on April 1, 1963. He became a permanent Firefighter on May 1, 1966 and retired as a Captain on November 1, 1991. Ralph’s proudest memories were of his service as a firefighter.
He was a member of the Professional Firefighters Assn., The National Rifle Assn., the Halcyon Club of Derry and Lester W. Chase Sons of the American Legion Squadron 9, presently serving as Squadron Commander. Ralph was an avid fisherman and hunter and spent many happy years of retirement fishing the Connecticut Lakes and riding the logging roads during hunting season in Pittsburg, NH.
Ralph was diagnosed with cancer in April of this year and valiantly fought the disease with all he had. He appreciated the many visits and phone calls he received from his friends and family members and the support given to him during this time. It was a fine tribute to his special character and the sincerity with which he lived his life.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 17 years, Margaret (Spooner) Bunker of Derry, his beloved sister Cheryle and her husband John Good of Londonderry, NH, his aunt, Amy Bunker, his uncle, Howard Bunker, both of Derry, his uncle, Fred Bunker and his wife Joy of Westland, MI, his niece Pat and her husband Joe Griffin of Londonderry and other nieces and a nephew. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Arline DeLanoy of Derry and James and his wife Heather DeLanoy of Derry, his step granddaughter Rachael DeLanoy-Whitted of Derry and Keene, NH, his step-grandson Alexander DeLanoy of Hope Mills, NC and his mother-in-law, Arline Spooner of Derry. He was predeceased by his parents, his uncles, Ralph and Leon Bunker, his brother Edward Bunker and his sister, Ruth (Bunker) Garvin.
Visiting hours were held 4-8pm Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Firefighters and retired firefighters met at 7:30pm to pay their respects as a group, followed by a service by the American Legion, Lester Chase Post #9. Funeral services were held 10:00am Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.