Obituaries

Charles Richard Bunting

January 21, 1936 - May 28, 2026

A viewing will be held on Tuesday June 2nd from 7pm to 9 pm and on Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to the Mass at the Laughrey Funeral home in Pennsville. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday June 3rd at 11am at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Salem N.J. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ honor to the Pennsville Historical Society, 86 Church Landing Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070, or to the Pennsville Ambulance Department.

Charles Richard Bunting, 90, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away on May 28th, peacefully at home surrounded by family love and care.

Charles was born on January 21, 1936, to Jessie (née Scullion) and Charles Bunting. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and fisherman.

Charles, lovingly known as Carl, Charlie, Uncle Carl, Uncle Charlie (the epic cousins battle which resulted in “UC”), Uncle Fish, and “Fish,” will be remembered for his humor, quick wit, and deep family connections.

His love of Christ was the foundation of his faith.

Born and raised in Kearny, New Jersey, Carl carried the deep roots of his hometown throughout his life. His family homestead at 288 became more than an address—it stood as a lasting symbol of cherished memories, family fun, love, and generations of “shenanigans.” “That was a 288” continues to be a phrase often spoken among the family.

Carl was a proud graduate of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark and attended St. Peter’s College, where he participated in Naval ROTC, reflecting his discipline, pride, and sense of service.

After college, Carl worked at Bell Telephone, where he remained for 31 years, climbing telephone poles throughout the state. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Mahoney.

Charlie was married for 66 glorious years to his beloved wife Dot, whom he lovingly referred to as his “Princess” and “Little Dot.” They resided in Pennsville throughout their entire marriage, held hands wherever they went, and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Dot embraced Charlies love of fishing and the outdoors, sharing in the simple joys and adventures that meant so much to him. Charlie was warmly welcomed into “Mahoneyville” and embraced Pennsville as home. Passing just four months apart, their devotion to each other knew no bounds.

They also shared a deep love and devotion for their families and beloved siblings. They cherished their combined 27 nieces and nephews deeply, always remembering birthdays and celebrating milestones. Their love remains a lasting gift for which the family will be forever grateful.

Charlie was a builder at heart and could repair nearly anything he put his mind to. He was known for his strong work ethic, strength, and perseverance, often helping family, friends, and neighbors without hesitation.

Carl was a man of the outdoors. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, hunting, and time spent in nature brought him great joy and peace. Fly fishing during trout season held special meaning, especially the cherished time spent with his father, whom he lovingly referred to as “Amos, the original fisherman.”

Brigantine, his parents’ home, was a large part of Carl’s life, which eventually became Carl and Dot’s home, and was deeply loved. He spent many meaningful days there. His happy place was the beloved dock, where fishing and crabbing were abundant. He will be remembered for cooking his infamous fried flounder and crab recipes on his trusty Coleman stove, adding to countless joyful gatherings.

Charlie was proud of his Boston Whaler, April Love, and spent many happy days running her through the bay on fishing and boating adventures too numerous to count. These moments remain part of his incredible legacy—The Legend.

Whether casting a line, running the bay, tending crab traps, sharing a meal, or telling countless jokes and stories, Charles lived closely connected to the rhythms of the natural world.

Always love greatly missed, we love you UC.

Carl is survived by his loving and devoted older sister and friend, Alice Giffin; sisters-in-law Angie Mahoney and Kathy Mahoney; and his adoring nieces and nephews, 57 great-nieces and nephews, and 45 great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy Mahoney Bunting; his parents Charles and Jessie Bunting; his younger sister Elizabeth Barclay; brothers-in-law Jack Giffin and James Barclay, Frank Mahoney, Jim Mahoney, and Ed Mahoney; sisters-in-law Marie Wyshinski and Elizabeth Dolbow; and nieces and nephews Bobby Barclay, Karen Giffin, David Barclay, Charles Barclay, and his devoted niece Kathleen Starcevich (Bear).