Aloysius Peter Bunescu

MONONA-Aloysius P. “Al” Bunescu, 89, formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2018, after a brief illness.  Al was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 1, 1929, the only child of Aloysius E. and Viola K. (neé Inholz) Bunescu.  He graduated from Our Lady of Victory grade school in 1943, and Carl Schurz High School in 1947, both in Chicago. After attending the University of Montana for two years, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950, when the Korean War broke out. He was honorably discharged with the rank of S/Sgt. in November, 1954.  Al met the love of his life, Barbara Hohs, at a dance at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago on June 12, 1955, and they were married in St. Nicholas Church in Evanston, Illinois on October 20, 1956.  After living in Evanston for a year, they moved to Buffalo Grove in 1957, where he served as village president. This was commemorated in 1977, by streets in Buffalo Grove being named Bunescu Lane and Bunescu Court.  Al enjoyed a successful career in industrial sales and moved his family to Madison in 1977, to become product manager at Madison Kipp Corporation, retiring in 1991. In 2001, Al started a "second career" working at the reception desk at the East Madison YMCA where he established many friendships.  At age 65, Al competed in Powerlifting at the Badger State Games, Masters Division, setting national and state records. Al was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, mastering the Wisconsin State Journal puzzle on a daily basis. He and wife, Barbara were members of St. Dennis Catholic Church for over 40 years.  Al is survived by his wife, Barbara; four children, Christine (Bert) Butterfield, Judy Walsvik, Kitty (Tom) Klement and Bruce (Lisa) Bunescu; seven grandchildren, Rachael and Mike Butterfield, Eric (Kayla) and Curtis Walsvik, T.J. and Kelli Klement, and Bailey Bunescu.  He was anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild this February.  A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison at 12 noon on Friday, August 31, 2018. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420