Obituary of Ronald J. Hunkovic

Ronald Joseph Hunkovic died peacefully after a valiant and hard-fought battle with cancer on Friday, March 13, 2015. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph William Hunkovic; his mother, Mary Jurka Hunkovic; and his uncle and aunt, Stephen and Mary Jurka. Ron is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynne Munson Hunkovic; his two sons, Lee (San Antonio, Texas) and Ross (Rochester, New York); his grandson, Aleksander (San Antonio, Texas); brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward (Patricia) Munson, Charles (Denise) Munson, Ann (Skip) Murray, Michon (Kerry) Kerlin; nieces and nephews, Edward Munson, Jr., Daniel and Brad Pacalis, Megan (Gordy) Gottlieb, Dr. Caitlyn (Timothy) Burford, Shannon (David) Dupree, Rory (Nadine) Murray and Patrick Murray; grand-nieces and nephews, Rylie and Connor Gottlieb, Ainsley Burford, Jack and Emerson Dupree; and cousins, Kathleen Jurka Frickel and Barbara Jurka Tagert. Ron was a graduate of Johnson City High School and Ithaca College, where he earned his undergraduate and Master's degrees in music education. He was a band and instrumental music teacher in the Binghamton City School District for 35 years from 1966 to 2001. Ron taught at East Junior/Middle School, Coolidge and Roosevelt, where he instilled in his students a love of music and his own unmatched work ethic. In addition, Ron adjudicated for NYSSMA, taught private lessons on clarinet, saxophone and flute and was a member of many local bands, including the Mason Warrington Big Band, Music Unlimited, Spectrum and the Binghamton Philharmonic Band. Ron loved to ride his bicycle in the "Endwell Alps," fish at Thousands Islands and travel. Of paramount importance to him were his family and music. Ron will be missed dearly by his family, friends and colleagues. Funeral services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Friday at 10 a.m. Reverend Msgr. John P. Putano will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Thursday from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Ron may be made to East Middle School/Binghamton School District Music Dept., 167 E. Frederick Street, Binghamton, NY 13904.