Steven A. Bunkowski

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Steven Albert Bunkowski, age 53, passed away unexpectedly in his home during the week of January 16.  Steven was born on August 22, 1966 in Ithaca, the son of Irene Bunkowski (deceased). He was the youngest of three children and was predeceased by his sister, Halina Brinegar and brother, Richard Bunkowski.  He grew up in Ithaca and graduated from Immaculate Conception School and Ithaca High School.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree with High Honors in Philosophy from Binghamton University and a Masters Degree in Psychology from Duquesne University.  In 1998 he returned to school to get a Masters Degree in Social Work from SUNY, Albany.

During his 20 year professional career, Steven worked in a variety of counseling and psychiatric settings.  His most extensive professional experience was in Pennsylvania in the Washington Communities MH/MR program.  He also worked at Cortland Memorial Hospital and Catholic Charities in Binghamton, N.Y.   Steven returned to Ithaca in 2013 to care for his Mother in her home until her death.  After her death his most recent employment was at St. John’s Community Services Shelter and Friendship Center.

Steven was an avid biker and enjoyed taking long excursions around the Ithaca area and the surrounding counties. He was truly happiest when he was on the road.  He was a member of the Ithaca Cycling Club and participated in the marathon bike rides around Lake Cayuga in- cluding the AIDS Ride for LIfe.  He also enjoyed gardening and worked for a time in the Ithaca area doing landscaping.  He did volunteer work for the Friends of the Tompkins County Library and  Tompkins Community Action.

Steven is survived by his nephew, Eric Brinegar, and his grandnephew, Bradley Brinegar and grandniece, Lindsay Brinegar. He leaves behind a host of friends who will miss him.  He has been described as a gentle soul who was a pleasure to be around.  He struggled with some very difficult issues in his life which made it hard for him to cope with the world at times.  But he will be remembered for his kindness, his keen intellect and his wonderfully wry sense of humor.  A Memorial Service will be held for Steven on March 7 at 3 p.m. at the Friends (Quaker) Meeting House on the corner of Madison and Third Streets in Ithaca.