EAST BRUNSWICK - MATTHEW HENRY BUNNER passed away en route to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, after being struck by a vehicle while out for a walk on Friday, September 1, 2023. He was 32 years old.
Born in New Castle, Indiana, Matt graduated with honors from New Castle High School, where he was a member of the marching band, and the football and wrestling teams. He completed a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at Ball State University, also with honors, and earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn, he served as president of the Penn Judo Club, eventually earning a black belt in judo after continuing his training at American Top Team Connecticut. He also developed an interest in Brazilian jiu jitsu and was an active member of Revel Jiu Jitsu Academy in East Brunswick.
Matt was employed as a Senior Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, NJ since late November 2022, and prior to that worked for Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
He most recently attended East Brunswick Community Church, and we thank this church and Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, for their immense support during this time.
Matt was the type of person who knew a lot about everything, and he used his intelligence and his talents to help as many people as he could. He was humble, generous, immensely kind, and always strove to be the best version of himself.
Matthew was predeceased by his grandmother, Barbara Shape.
He is mourned by his beloved wife, Rosalie Doerksen Bunner; parents, Brian and Susan Bunner; brother Daniel Bunner and his wife, Sarah; brother-in-law, Edmund Doerksen; grandparents, Terry and Judith Bunner; grandfather, Frederick Shape; and many friends and family members.
A memorial service for Matthew will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Castle, Indiana. Please contact a family member for more detailed information.
To leave a message of condolence please visit our "Tributes" page.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
Brian, so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You and your family will be in our prayers.
John Selm and Cathy Wiles-Selm
It is so sad to hear this news. Matt was always composed and helpful at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Matt was a wonderful colleague at Boehringer Ingelheim. He was always helpful and possessed tons of patience. His sweet and caring disposition will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful human being and I was very fortunate to have crossed paths with him. My heart goes out to his entire family. The world is truly at a loss!
Matt was a great person he will be truly missed. My prayers go out to his family and may God be with you all.
Matt was a great teacher, friend and human. I am grateful to have known him and learned from him. I am incredibly saddened by a special life taken way too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with him , his wife and family.
Saddened to hear this tragic news. Matthew was a great friend as he attended Bible class and was active at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury, CT. We are sending our sympathy, comfort and peace to you Rosalie, his parents and family members.
Dean, Deb and Megan Hollrah🙏🤗
Danbury CT att group
Sending loving prayers. I didn’t know Matt to well but I can attest to his generous heart and care for others. Thank you for being a light in this sometimes dark world we need more people like Matt with big hearts and kind souls they make the world a better place for the time they are allowed by God on earth. I pray his loved ones are forever held in Jesus arms , for I know he is a loving God regardless of how our emotions might make us think differently.
Love you brother rest in peace!
I am so sorry to hear this. Matt was a cherished student of our chemistry department. My sympathy goes out to his loved ones. Patti Lang
Matt and I had been good friends over the years and the common ground of autoimmune diseases. We both loved details, to work out and to encourage others . I would Classify Matt as a Great Encourager!
Words of heartfelt sympathy are wholly inadequate, but please know we are holding you all close in our hearts. Nikki, Josh, & Mary Raeburn
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