Eddie Bunnell
Montville — George Edward Bunnell, 73, lifelong resident of Montville, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2018. Born on Oct. 24, 1944, Eddie was the son of the late Gilbert and Mary (Smith) Bunnell.
Ever since he was a young man, Eddie had a brilliant mechanical mind and was drawn to the challenge of building and fixing anything that needed his attention. During the 1960s and ’70s, Eddie was the head mechanic for the Town of Montville, and later started his own trucking company—Bunnell Trucking— which he operated for many years. As a business owner, Eddie was a beloved figure for his clients. He believed in doing business on a handshake and always went the extra mile for them.
While his work kept him busy, Eddie’s true passion in life was racing cars. He was one of the most well-liked and respected competitors at the Waterford Speedbowl and enjoyed many fine finishes, including a Bomber title in 1966. As the owner and racer of several cars, his most cherished and popular machine was the “318” racing team car. Fans would gather around to admire the team’s dazzling purple and gold modified racer, as the Bunnell family found great success over the many years they spent at the track. The Bunnell racing car was heroic — it was one of the very few that could beat out the more costly cars and experienced drivers. Eddie finished his driving career as one of Waterford Speedbowl’s 50 Favorite Drivers.
On or off the track, Eddie was known to all as a gentle and caring man with a kind soul. He would do anything for anybody and was always willing to lend a hand. Eddie had an amazing spirit, and he will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
Eddie is survived by his daughter Nikki Bunnell; brothers Gilbert Bunnell Jr. and Donnie Bunnell (Rose); sisters Marylou Johnson (Dexter) and Suzanne Lavigne; several nieces and nephews; and former sister-in-law Gay Bunnell Madden. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Bunnell, and his sister Janet Bunnell. Eddie was also survived by his former wife, Darlene (Di) Buckley and her husband Bill, who provided care for him throughout his illness. His family would like to extend their gratitude to hospice nurse Dawn McDermott and the Norwich Hospice team for all their care and compassion, and also to the Cactus Jack Foundation for their assistance.
Eddie’s family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Uncasville. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Following the calling hours, there will be a time for everyone to gather and share stories of Eddie. Please come with any memories you feel will help celebrate Eddie’s life.
Donations in Eddie’s memory may be made to the Center for Hospice Care SECT, 225 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360, or to the Cactus Jack Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 145, Waterford, CT 06385.