We were sad to learn that Barry Alan Bunsis of Oceanside, New York, succumbed to COVID-19 on October 24, 2020. He was born on November 25, 1957. As the CFO of LDI Color Toolbox, he was highly regarded by his co-workers and those outside of the company who had the opportunity to meet and get to know him.
To his wife Havela we would like to say that Barry made a significant impact on those he worked with. The people at LDI and those from competitive dealers had much to say about what he meant to them. If it is of any solace to you, please know that Barry was truly loved, respected, and admired by all who knew him.
How do we as journalists capture the essence of a man for the purpose of writing his obituary? We reach out to those who knew him and loved him the most. For Barry, it was relatively easy as he left an amazing legacy. While we only casually knew him, we can share with you what some of his fellow LDI employees and others had to say. We start with this beautiful tribute written by Christina Bonfiglio-Scali, LDI’s purchasing agent, which we found on Facebook. She has given us permission to reprint it.
Last night we lost the CFO of our company to COVID-19. The man was a pillar in every sense of the word. A burly, physically imposing, no-nonsense, fiery, unapologetic, type A personality; the last person on earth you would think could succumb to the virus.
He was the definition of strength and energy and over-achiever. A lawyer, a CPA, and a CFO; one can only marvel over how this man found the time, energy, and motivation to accomplish so much while carrying the world on his shoulders. His remarkable competence and unyielding drive was a great comfort to work under because you knew no matter what came down the pipes, Barry had a plan AND a backup plan to see everyone through and make sure we all came out on top.
He was funny and generous and had a booming voice and laugh that shook walls. He was a man with presence and seemed a permanent fixture in our office. His passing will undoubtedly create a vacuum in many lives, one that cannot be filled because Barry was truly one of a kind and irreplaceable.
They say COVID-19 is not real for you until it hits home. It has hit home. Rest in Peace Barry, you made an enormous mark on this world by ensuring the livelihood and prosperity for hundreds of families for over three decades. Wherever your unyielding energy goes, I am sure it will leave a streak of progress behind it. Your presence is already sorely missed.
Barry was well known outside of LDI as well. He was active in CDA and his participation in their roundtable groups of CFOs was highly regarded. We reached out to Russ Klein, CFO for Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office who was also a member of CDA.
Barry was a valued member of the CDA and Copier Dealer Financial Roundtable. Since he and I were the sole members from New York City, we had a lot in common and conversed quite a bit. His longevity in the industry, plus his educational accomplishments provided a wealth of information for the groups.
For members of the groups, Barry was well known as the prototypical New Yorker: fast-talking, constantly on the phone with the home office, and in perpetual motion. Barry was very gregarious during our social functions and appreciated for his quick wit and sense of humor.
He will be missed by all.
That was the consensus of everyone we spoke to, including Jerry Blaine CEO of LDI. He could be gruff and opinionated but he took great pleasure in helping others. He was a CPA and an attorney. “He was an invaluable employee and one I relied on in both business and personal matters as he did for many others who worked here,” said Blaine. “He was a devoted father to his six children, and we will miss him.”
Barry Bunsis is one more example of the quality of the people who work in our industry. They function in every aspect of the business from sales, marketing, technical service, IT, administrative support, and in the warehouses where they are responsible for shipping and receiving. Their common denominator is they work for owners who care about them and create a culture that treats them with the respect and dignity they deserve. If you know Jerry Blaine, you know exactly what I am talking about.
May God bless Barry Bunsis and welcome him home.
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