Francis Marion Bunch III

Francis Marion Bunch III died from complications of diabetes on July 4th 2021. He was born in Richmond , Virginia in 1938 to Francis Marion Bunch Jr and Virginia Parker Bunch. Moving to Wilmington , Delaware at age 7 Frank graduated from AI DuPont High School in 1957 and Duke University in 1961 where he met his beloved wife Wendy Johnson Bunch.

After two years in the Navy, LTJg Bunch followed his father’s footsteps into the DuPont company, embarking on a 29 year career starting in Oklahoma City selling Xray film for Photo Products. He progressed through the ranks, moving 9 times in 16 years to Boston, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, London, England, Hendersonville, North Carolina, Taipei, Taiwan, and finally to Wilmington, Delaware in 1979. He retired for one day before going to MBNA where he happily spent the next 12 years managing the company’s Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club.

He is survived by wife Wendy, Son Ian McAlister Bunch, and wife Alessandra Manzotti, Son Laird Campbell Bunch, Victoria Storm, 3 adored granddaughters, Campbell, Frances and Sofia, sister Lynne B. Cannatelli and her husband Vincent, and sister-in-law Sandra J. Taylor.

Always a gentleman, Frank was a dapper dresser, stylish and a fabulous dancer usually the first on the dance floor. He and Wendy danced through 57 years of marriage including a 2010 Round the world cruise on the Queen Mary which both agreed was best experience of their married lives.

Nothing was more important than his family, home and dogs taking exquisite care of all.   A talented handyman, he remodeled every house rented or owned adding to their value. He enjoyed parties and took every opportunity to entertain including a willingness to wear tuxedos or costumes with flair. A first class shopper for antiques and collector of garden art, Frank appreciated quality, style and uniqueness always shopping for his girls.

Sailing was his passion from competitive Lightning regattas on the Chesapeake to sailing his 1957 wooden Hinckley, Wraith, where many happy times were enjoyed by friends and family.

Frank volunteered at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Walk for Education, McDonalds Golf Tournament and supported many charities. He was President of Greenville Country Club and belonged to the Chester River Yacht and Country Club.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Greenville, DE 19807. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be held prior. Festive attire encouraged.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Frank to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF, PO Box 37920 Boone IA, 50037-0920 ((or www.JDRF.org) or Tower To Tunnels Foundation at 2361 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306 (or www.T2T.org)

For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.