Obituary of Robert Zachary Bunsa

Robert Zachary Bunsa, “Zach”, age 23 of Basking Ridge, NJ, died in a drowning accident while on vacation, on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

Born in Montclair, NJ, he was the son of Fred and Donna Bunsa. Zach was a resident of Basking Ridge and a member of St. James Church his entire life. He graduated high school from Koinonia Academy in Plainfield and received an Associates Degree from Raritan Valley Community College. He was enrolled at Kean University where he planned to earn a Business degree.

Zach enjoyed laughing and sharing his life with all he met. He loved comedy, and easily befriended children through his playful nature. Singing loudly and attending country concerts brought him joy. People across the world enjoyed his antics, from cheering for Notre Dame football to rooting for the Celtic Football Club while living abroad for a year in Glasgow, Scotland. Above all, Zach treasured time with family at reunions on Long Beach Island, New Jersey and at Mid Lake in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Zach was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Bob and Mary Bunsa and by his dear “Aunt Jo,” Mary Jo Calamai. He is survived by his parents, Fred and Donna Bunsa of Basking Ridge; his siblings, Andrew and his wife, Samantha of Basking Ridge as well as his precious nephew and Godson, Benjamin; Dallas and his wife, Sam of Bound Brook; Grace of Madison; Ella Marie, Brody, and Quinn all at home; by his maternal grandparents, Ken and Betty Scherp of Bridgewater; and his beloved, longtime girlfriend Clare Holmes of Glasgow, Scotland. Zach is also survived by 23 cousins, many loving aunts and uncles, and countless friends.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. James Church in Basking Ridge. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, from 3:00 to 7:00PM in St. James Chapel.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “Koinonia Academy” at 1040 Plainfield Ave., Plainfield, NJ  07060, in memory of Zach Bunsa ‘13.