Obituary of Robert Aaron Bunstead

Robert Aaron Bunstead, 74, of Baldwin, New York, died Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at home. Born October 30, 1948, in New York City, he was the son of the late Margaret (Cooney) and George Bunstead. Rob was retired as a teacher of special needs students for the New York City Department of Education and for private agencies in and around New York City. Earlier in life he was vice president of manufacturing for Chemtainer Industries, a nationwide manufacturer based in West Babylon, New York. He was a graduate of Chaminade High School, Fordham University and Touro College. Robert died in the home where he lived much of his life, but he had also lived in Greenwich, New York; in Chicago; and in Hershey and Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. A midlife heart attack led to a career change, and Rob went back to school to become a teacher. He loved children, and helping them learn and grow made him happiest. He read the New York Times daily, always the print edition, and completed the Times crossword puzzle with ballpoint pen virtually every day for more than 50 years. He was a generous, contemplative man who disguised himself as a clown. Rob is survived by his son, John R. Godleski of Northampton, Massachusetts; his nephew Michael Shaw and Michael’s wife, Jen Shaw, with whom he lived; a number of cousins who were as close as siblings; and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John, and by several beloved aunts and uncles. A memorial service will be Friday, September 30, 2022, 4-8 p.m., at Towers Funeral Home, 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, New York, 11572. In his memory, loved ones are encouraged to honor Rob by making the world a safer and more peaceful place where children can thrive.