CANASTOTA . . .

Nelson Archie Bunnell, Jr., 97, of Canastota, NY, passed away on July 23, 2025, after a long life of hard work, caring for family, and spoiling his dogs.

He was born on May 30, 1928, in West Stewartstown, NH, a son of the late Nelson A. Bunnell Sr. and Flora (Martin) Bunnell.

Nelson spent most of his early life in northern Vermont, attending school in a one-room schoolhouse and working on his family's farm in Canaan, VT. He had fond memories of playing outdoors in the Vermont countryside and pulling pranks with his many siblings. He later lived in Boonville, NY, and Fenner, NY, for 20 years before moving to Wampsville, NY, in 2008.

Nelson worked for Ethan Allen for 40 years, beginning as a stock boy and rising through the ranks to become the builder and general manager of several new furniture factories as the company expanded. Later in his career, he joined the furniture manufacturer Stickley Audi & Co. in Fayetteville, NY, and Manlius, NY, where he played a pivotal role in taking the company out of bankruptcy and oversaw the construction of their new manufacturing facility in Manlius. He retired in 1990.

He married Margaret A. "Pegg" Walsh on August 2, 1980, in Rome, NY, blending their two families. Together, Nelson and Pegg restored an old farmhouse in Cazenovia, NY, doing the construction work themselves, and later adding a pond, a large garden, and raising a few dairy cows. They were equally hard workers, and Nelson often chuckled with pride to come home seeing his wife on a tractor with one of their dogs. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling in their camper to places such as Thousand Islands, NY, Nova Scotia, and Gettysburg, PA. Game nights with friends, dinners out, and watching birds on their patio were also pastimes they enjoyed. The two were rarely apart. They were devoted to each other in every way.

Nelson was a member of Masonic Lodge #44 F & AM in Island Pond, VT, and attended the Morrisville Community Church in New York. He enjoyed woodworking, taking care of his yard, and spending time with his family. He was known for his deadpan jokes and humming at all hours of the day. He loved his breakfast with friends at Flo's Diner and the Knotty Pine, and bringing home a piece of sausage for his beloved dogs.

Surviving besides his wife, Pegg, are two daughters, Dianne Bunnell Yellé (the late Gary Yellé) of Archer, FL, and Renée Bunnell (Paul Lupi) of New York City; and two grandchildren, Philip Haynes (Kelly Haynes) of Loveland, CO, and Nicole Perry (Rob Dolecki) of Philadelphia; and two great-grandchildren, Liam Haynes and Brooklyn Haynes, of Loveland, CO. He also leaves behind five stepchildren: David Walsh (Nancy Walsh) of Westmoreland, NY, Kathleen Walsh of Canastota, NY, Joan Donley of Canastota, NY, Anne Merriman (Eugene Merriman) of Cazenovia, NY, and Margaret Potocki (Steven Potocki) of Whitesboro, NY. He is survived by one brother, Clifford Bunnell (the late Shirley Bunnell), of Colebrook, NH. Nelson was also blessed with many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nelson was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Paquette Bunnell; as well as one daughter, Krista Bunnell Perry, and one step-daughter, Mary Beth Cochis. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Everett Bunnell, and Dean Bunnell; and three sisters, Jean Bunnell Grapes, Marilyn Bunnell Hewington, and Maxine Bunnell Hughes.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Joan, Kathleen, and Margaret for the care they provided Nelson in his later years. With their help, they were able to keep Nelson at his home with Pegg, where he was comfortable and loved immensely.

Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Following the calling hours, a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home. The Rev. William M. Wilcox will officiate. Burial will be in Clockville Cemetery.

In his memory, contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, or to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.