David Walker, Sr.

David Walker, Sr.

He lived his life enjoying doing for others: the type of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back. David loved his country just as much: after high school he headed straight for Parris Island and served two and a half tours in Vietnam.rn He found himself most at home on the Sunset Beach in Cape May (and virtually every other beach in the east), riding bikes, collecting shells and surf fishing. Of course he’d fish just about any body of water. He was a bit of a shopaholic, mostly for antiques and flowers for his wife.rn His later years found him entertaining his grandkids, teaching them to play pinochle, checkers, chess, playing hop scotch and jacks and braiding hair. He loved all animals but most especially Boots the cat. He was a Philadelphia sports fan, but first and foremost rooted for the Phils, mostly from his man cave. He never left the T.V. before the inning was over. On his CB he was known as Freedom Rider.rn Shortly after returning home from Vietnam, David met a young lady named Mary. Their first date of fried chicken, biscuits, chocolate cake and a movie is all it took to cement their relationship. They married on Christmas Eve. Their 42 year union was blessed by three children: Suzanne Marie Haslam, David T. Jr., and Marybeth Bunkowski; and four grandchildren: Melissa Haslam, Michael Bunkowski, Sarah Bunkowski, and Michael Force. He is survived by brothers: William, Edwin, Dennis, Joseph and Michael; his sisters, Mary and Nannette; aunts, Vi, Helen, and Lucille; his uncle, Tom and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and cousins.rn Come celebrate 65 generous years Wednesday 8-10 AM at Sweeney Funeral Home 478 Cooper St., Beverly, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church (St. Joseph’s site), Beverly. Interment Thursday 10:30 a.m. at Beverly National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. rnrn

9 Comments

  1. Melissa Haslam says:

    I love my Grandpa, and I have many fond memories with him! We would always play together, and have chats while he smoked his cigarettes. I will miss his war stories and his playful nature. He was a great man, and will be always be in my heart.

  2. Joseph Walker says:

    Dear Brother,rn You’ll be missed by many who loved you. We know that the Lord has a new Marine on Guard Duty now. We know you will watch over all of us till we meet you again. Thoughts aand prayers to Mary and the children.rnLove your little Bro and Sister-in-Law,rnJoe and Grace Walker

  3. The Corandan Family says:

    May you rest in peace now deeply missed but never forgotten.Will always be greatful for the friendship we shared and the special neighbor you where. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family. God bless you all. Charlie,Rosie,Rana & Shana.

  4. Terri Kempton Reinken says:

    It’s been years since I have seen all of you and I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I have many fond memories of babysitting all the kids and then playing pinochle with my now husband. We always had a fun time with you. God bless you all.

  5. Daniel, Suzanne & Melissa says:

    Dave My family has many years of wonderful memories with you. Even though we did not always agree on everything all the time we will always remember you for your strength, enthusiasm and compassion each and every minute we spent with you. You will always be remembered for your compassion, love, commitment and the enthusiasm you brought to the table, along with your Oversized cup of Pepsi or sweet tea and of course, a deck of cards. You will surely be missed by your entire family and everyone you ever came in contact with or helped out in some odd job. We will always remember how you would enjoy helping out every time you came to visit; we had always joked and said you would make someone a great wife one day! You’re the only man I knew who could get up before the crack of dawn, walk the dogs, read the paper, help prepare breakfast, clear the table , clean the dishes, do a load of wash and have a cigarette all before the rest of us barely finished our first cup of coffee. You will be truly missed by all your grandchildren who will have nothing but great memories of you and the time you spent with them. Melissa will never forget the first time you braided her hair or played hopscotch with her in front of our house and I will never forget the first time you took Melissa fishing and when you helped her cast the pole back for her first time and the hook got stuck in my leg. If that wasn’t bad enough, when we went to the clinic you had even used your own pliers to assist the doctor in removing it from my leg because they did not have the proper instruments there to do it. I remember the doctor actually assisting you in the procedure. You can be proud of how your strength has been passed down to others. I see the same strength, love, compassion and commitment in my wife as you displayed for over 42 years to your wife. Being a Marine myself I respect the sacrifices and commitment you made for our country and all that you had went through. Semper FI Marine! We know you will be looking down from heaven to ensure your family will be safe in the years to come. Love, Dan, Suzanne and Melissa

  6. Marybeth & Larry,Sarah, & Mike says:

    My dad was a sweet man. He had his opinions and expressed them strongly. He valued his country and served it proudly. His love for his kids showed. He was a boy scout leader and was an umpire for baseball both for his son and grandson. He loved helping others even when not needed. He loved to cook and be involved in our lives, even when we said stay out. He would give head bumps. He loved life and could entertain whether we liked it or not. He made us laugh as well as cry. His adventure for life will be missed. How much he loved us all, I never felt he loved one more than the other, we gave him a run while growing up, I guess I should say sorry(lol). His love will continue on through his kids, grandkids and his wife. Dad you find peace. We will find ours in the comfort of our memories.Thanks for the last dance. Your singing is one-of-a-kind. Thank you for all you have done, most of all sharing yourself with us.

  7. michael bunkowski says:

    my grandfather was the greatest man ever!!! i will never forget you… the day of your accident shattered my life forever:( all i wanted to do was cuddle with you, and bring you back to us. our family will never forget you, and there will always be great memories remembered.. you meant alot to everyone. especially me. we shared so many great memories, trips to the shore, chasing girls, baseball games you watched and umpired:) fishing, driving you around… our trip to LBI and the boat ride.. so many fond memories that i will carry on for the rest of my life.. i wish we didnt have to lose you, because now a part of me will always be missing, but as long as your in a better place, and not hurting ill be okay. i know your looking down on all of us, watching and protecting as we live each and everyday to the fullest and make you proud.. your always going to be missed, and always loved!!!! your the best father, and grandfather anyone could have asked for… thank you SOSOSOSOSO MUCH FOR BEING A GREAT GRANDFATHER, AND MY BEST FRIEND. R.I.P GRAMPS!! I LOVE YOU<33333333

  8. Sarah Bunkowski Walker says:

    It’s been over 2 years and not having my grandfather in my life is the hardest thing I’ve ever lived without. He was the greatest man I’ve ever met and have ever known. He’d helped anyone in need. I know he’s in a better place and I wish I could have said good bye to you the day they took you off life support. I will always remember the first time you danced with me and taught me how to fish, and had to put the worm on the hook because I didn’t wanna kill it. I remember listening to country music while driving and fishing. I miss cheating in pinchole and you not know until we had aces around and double pinchole. I miss calling you at 3:00 am because I wasn’t feeling well and you’d take care of mee, I miss our heart to heart conversations. I will never forget what an amazing sweet funny Man you were! I love you so so much gramps. Thanks for always being you and being there for mee when I needed you!