Robert Joseph Mackunis January 15, 2025

Robert Joseph Mackunis, 73 of Hanover Twp., passed away peacefully on March 15 after a
courageous battle with cancer.
Bob graduated from Berwick High School and Temple University. For most of his life, he
performed as a bass guitarist for a number of local house bands in Philadelphia and then later in
the Wilkes Barre area, including Hemmingway’s in Wilkes-Barre.
In his late 20s he met Judy Mackunis at The Creekside in Mechanicsburg PA. They fell in love,
married in 1987, then started a family, complete with their daughter Renee Mackunis. As a dad
he loved coaching and being there for all of his daughter’s accomplishments. This sparked a
career with the PIAA officiating basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
In addition to his dear wife Judy Mackunis and daughter Renee Mackunis, Bob is survived by
sister Anna Mae Mackunis, sister-in-law Kristi Dodge, nieces and nephews, and Charlie the cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Adele Mackunis, brother Albert and sister-
in-law Grace Mackunis.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, March 20 at 12-1pm at Mamary-
Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. A blessing service will be
held in the funeral home at 1pm and interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to Hospice of the Sacred Heart InPatient
Unit.