Obituary: David F. Bunten, 67

November 22, 1957 ~ February 14, 2025

David F. Bunten of Reading passed at Lahey Clinic in Peabody on February 14, 2025. Beloved husband for 43 years of Maria (Caiani) Bunten. Loving father of David Jr. and his wife Erin Bunten. Proud grandfather of Connor and Tyler Bunten. Brother of Philip and his wife Cheryl Bunten, Cheryl Archer, Sandra Bunten, and Cynthia Glazier. Step-brother of Steven Bunten and Joanne Bunten. Adored nephew of Robert Ainsworth. Cherished Son of the late Audrey (Citroni) Adler and John Bunten. Beloved Son-in-law of the late Alec and Nora Caiani. David is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends including Jim & Andrea Trefry and Connie Cronin.  

Music Performing Career – 

  • Marched in the Blue Angels Junior Drum and Bugle Corps, (ages 10-15)  
  • 27th Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps, Revere 1975-78 
  • Larry Drouin NightLighters, Salem
  • Inducted into the MA Drum Corps and Music Educator Hall of Fame 

Music Teaching Career –

  • Reading Memorial High School 1981-2015 -music educator; concert band, jazz band, vocal ensemble, marching band director, drill designer  
  • NESBA board member 
  • North Attleboro HS Band Director 1981-82 
  • Beverly High School
  • Arbella Drum and Bugle Corps 
  • Andover High School Band 
  • Triton Regional High School Band
  • Boston College Eagles Marching Band (5 yrs mid 90’s) 
  • Medford High School Band  

Education –

  • Beverly High School, class of 1975, Drum Major, Beverly High School Marching Band 
  • NS Community College 
  • University of Lowell, bachelor’s degree in Music Education, class of 1981 

Services: Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home on Friday, February 21st, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm to Celebrate David’s Life. 

Funeral to be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial to follow in Wood End Cemetery, Reading. 

In lieu of flowers, and in tribute to David’s music teaching career, please make a donation to your local High School Band or Music Program, or to support their elementary, middle school level music programs. 

With sincere appreciation,

Maria and Family