Obituary for William Francis "Bunker" Rainey
Funeral Mass for William Francis “Bunker” Rainey, 87, of Willowick, will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church, 37940 Euclid Ave., Willoughby.
William died Nov. 4, 2023, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born Jan. 8, 1936, in Windber, Pa.
He spent his childhood living in both Cleveland and Windber, where he met the love of his life, Ethel Ann Hazy.
Bunker enjoyed playing on the basketball team of Windber High School and was an avid basketball fan throughout his life. Following his high school graduation in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as an artillery and ordnance specialist.
He had worked multiple jobs concurrently to provide a happy home for his wife and children. For more than 30 years, he was employed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where he very much enjoyed the company of his co-workers and good friends, John Underwood and Dan Bobrovsky.
Because of his pride in his military service, Bunker continued his role, because “once a Marine, always a Marine.” He was an active member of the local Marine Corps Auxiliary (Colonel Justice Chambers League in Mentor) as a volunteer for the annual Toys For Tots program. Appropriately, funeral services will be held on the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.
William lived an exemplary life of quiet strength, humility and courage, always leading by example. He will always be remembered for his wit and humor, as well as his warm and engaging personality that made all those he encountered feel special and valued, even as he faced a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Though his family will feel his absence deeply, they know he will continue to love them eternally.
He was the dearest husband for 66 blessed and beautiful years to Ethel Ann (nee Hazy) Rainey, whom he married May 25, 1957; loving father of Karen (Bernie) Gunya, William (Mary) Rainey, MaryBeth Rainey and LeeAnn (Michael) Slegers; cherished grandfather of William (Brooke) Rainey, Gregory (Jackie) Castell, Calum (Julie) Rainey, Jennifer Castell and Catherine Rainey; and great-grandfather to his namesake, William J., who he was indescribably happy to welcome as the 5th generation of William Raineys. He also leaves behind his cousin and dear friend, Kenneth Solden.
William was preceded in death by his dear parents, Leo and Agnes (nee Parks) Rainey; sisters, Jean (Rogers) and Ruth (Hazy); as well as many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Burial will follow the Mass with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are suggested to The Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org, or The Marine Corps Toys For Tots Foundation at ToysForTots.org.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.
William died Nov. 4, 2023, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born Jan. 8, 1936, in Windber, Pa.
He spent his childhood living in both Cleveland and Windber, where he met the love of his life, Ethel Ann Hazy.
Bunker enjoyed playing on the basketball team of Windber High School and was an avid basketball fan throughout his life. Following his high school graduation in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as an artillery and ordnance specialist.
He had worked multiple jobs concurrently to provide a happy home for his wife and children. For more than 30 years, he was employed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where he very much enjoyed the company of his co-workers and good friends, John Underwood and Dan Bobrovsky.
Because of his pride in his military service, Bunker continued his role, because “once a Marine, always a Marine.” He was an active member of the local Marine Corps Auxiliary (Colonel Justice Chambers League in Mentor) as a volunteer for the annual Toys For Tots program. Appropriately, funeral services will be held on the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.
William lived an exemplary life of quiet strength, humility and courage, always leading by example. He will always be remembered for his wit and humor, as well as his warm and engaging personality that made all those he encountered feel special and valued, even as he faced a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Though his family will feel his absence deeply, they know he will continue to love them eternally.
He was the dearest husband for 66 blessed and beautiful years to Ethel Ann (nee Hazy) Rainey, whom he married May 25, 1957; loving father of Karen (Bernie) Gunya, William (Mary) Rainey, MaryBeth Rainey and LeeAnn (Michael) Slegers; cherished grandfather of William (Brooke) Rainey, Gregory (Jackie) Castell, Calum (Julie) Rainey, Jennifer Castell and Catherine Rainey; and great-grandfather to his namesake, William J., who he was indescribably happy to welcome as the 5th generation of William Raineys. He also leaves behind his cousin and dear friend, Kenneth Solden.
William was preceded in death by his dear parents, Leo and Agnes (nee Parks) Rainey; sisters, Jean (Rogers) and Ruth (Hazy); as well as many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Burial will follow the Mass with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are suggested to The Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org, or The Marine Corps Toys For Tots Foundation at ToysForTots.org.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.