Henry Bunkoff

Niskayuna - Surrounded by his beloved wife, family, and friends, Henry Bunkoff entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 20, 2018 while vacationing in Florida.

Born in Saumfeld, Germany on May 11, 1930. Henry was the son of the late Rudolf Bunkoff and Emma Samulovitch Bunkoff. Henry was predeceased by his brother Helmut Bunkoff and his sister, Ericka Bunkoff Seichter.

Sponsored by his uncle Christopher Bunkoff, Henry came to the United States in 1950 and worked for his uncle upon his arrival. He became a U.S. citizen in 1951 and enlisted in the United States Army. Henry received his basic training in Fort Hood, Texas and was assigned to the Armored Tank Division. He was stationed in West Germany and acted as a translator while patrolling the border between East and West Germany. Upon his discharge in 1953 as a corporal, Henry became an apprentice in the Carpenter's Union, attended Hudson Valley Community College for Carpentry, and later became a journeyman and Superintendent while working for the Bunkoff Construction Company. After working there for over thirty years, Henry worked for the Beltrone Construction Company as a Superintendent and retired in 1992.

Henry met the love of his life, Doris Emerick, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Colonie. They entered into holy matrimony on May 27, 1956 and enjoyed over 61 years of blissful marriage. Henry and Doris were inseparable and Henry cared for her every need. They returned to Germany several times to visit family and also hosted visits for family coming to the United States. They travelled to Florida for the winter months for many years and developed strong friendships with several other couples of the Happy Days Club who also took advantage of the warm Cocoa Beach weather. At home, he and Doris also enjoyed the many family events held throughout the year to celebrate holidays and birthdays or just to gather together to appreciate the company of family and friends. Henry's absence at those gatherings will be sorely missed by the entire family.

Henry was a man of strong faith and a devout Christian. He served as an usher and also on the Counting Committee at Our Savior's Lutheran Church while a parishioner there. He and Doris have been parishioners at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schenectady for nearly fifty years where they serve as ushers at weekly services.

In addition to his wife, Henry is survived by his loving sister, Agnes Schultz, and he was the cherished uncle to several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend special thanks and gratitude to Barb and Bernie LaGrave, Peter Hess, and Pat and Joe Beck for their ongoing assistance, love and support over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Henry's name to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308 or a charity of your choice.