Wednesday, April 22, 2026
In Memory of My Dear Friend, Bunky Dalesandro
by
Richard F. Flaim
On April 18, 2026, our lifelong close friend and respected colleague in the Vineland Public Schools, John “Bunky” Dalesandro, passed away in Vineland, New Jersey. His passing followed a number of years courageously fighting a series of illnesses that gradually took its toll on him, and he passed peacefully at his home. Arleen and I extend our sincere condolences to Carol and the family of this extraordinary man.
Known to all who knew him as “Bunky,” he was a remarkable person whose love of his wife, Carol, his children John and David and their families was palpable, as was his enduring love of his son, Michael, who predeceased him. The accomplishments of his children and grandchildren were topics that made him smile when he recounted them to us with pride on so many occasions. To Bunky, family always came first in his thoughts and actions.
Bunky was also a man of deep faith, his regular attendance at his Catholic parish Church of Our Lady of Pompeii providing him with peaceful time to reflect, pray and give thanks.
As the President of the Vineland High School Class of 1956, Bunky demonstrated at an early age his leadership qualities, which he performed with an incredible enthusiasm and a keen sense of humor. He was beloved by his classmates. Following graduation, Bunky pursued his education at Villanova University and, after earning his degree, began a teaching career at Memorial Junior High School in Vineland. As a social studies teacher, he challenged his students to understand the complexities of American government and how the founding documents established the foundation for an ever changing society. He loved America, and sought to imbue his students with that same feeling. Students loved him! He also was a partner and counselor for many years at the Vineland Day Camp, a summer camp for children held at Malaga Lake.
Bunky continued his education at Temple Univeresity, eventually entering the field of Guidance, where he served as a school guidance counselor, and then Director of Guidance at Vineland High School, and Supervisor of Guidance for the Vineland School District. He fought tirelessly during his many years in guidance for services and programs that benefited students, first and foremost. Even when a few of his proposals met with initial resistance from upper level administrators or boards of education, he persevered and usually convinced those over him that his proposals were in the best interest of students. He was universally respected by teachers, students and school administrators.
Some of the qualities that I believe defined Bunky include unquestioned honesty and integrity; love of his family, friends, VHS and his community; a deep religious faith; sincerity; warmth; a delightful sense of humor, never used at anyone else’s expense; respect for his fellow human beings; dedication; intelligence; and love of sports, especially the Phillies and the Eagles. In his younger years, Bunky was quite accomplished on the tennis court, the basketball court and the baseball diamond. He also gave the casinos and the horses a “run for their money!!”
Arleen and I are so profoundly saddened by the loss of our dear friend, whose many years of friendship and colleagueship shall remain indelible in our minds. I also realize that the sadness that I feel today will eventually be replaced by a smile as I recall the many joys that we shared together. I will think about Bunky every time the Phils blow a lead in a game; or the Eagles don’t quite play up to par, when Bunky would lament the stupidity of this play or that. I will miss this interaction, but will miss the entire being that constituted the man we loved, and knew as “Bunky.” With love and deep respect, may you rest in peace, my friend.
……Rich Flaim (April 20, 2026)
