John E. Bunting, Sr., of Oak Lawn, a longtime engraver for the Chicago Tribune before the hot type printing presses were replaced with offset presses, died Wednesday, June 14, in Evergreen Health Care Center, Evergreen Park, a day after his 80th birthday. In 1937, Mr. Bunting started at the Tribune, working his way into the mail room, said his wife, Betty Johnson Bunting. His 45-year career with the Tribune was interrupted in 1944, when he served in the Navy during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. Soon after returning to Chicago, Mr. Bunting got the coveted job of engraver at the Tribune, a prestigious job because of the pay and camaraderie the men shared, said one of Mr. Bunting’s colleagues and friends, John Burke. After a six-year apprenticeship, Mr. Bunting worked mostly as an etcher, which included the job of immersing the plates in acid, decomposing the metal and leaving a surface that could be printed. “We had very tight deadlines to make the editions,” said Burke, who was also an etcher. “We were both thankful that we lasted as long (as we did). That was a long time, 45 years.” Mr. Bunting, known for his sense of humor and friendliness on the job, was a favorite among co-workers, Burke said. Other survivors include three daughters, Barbara McClory, Debra Shabel and Carol Herbold; a son, John E., Jr.; a sister, Marilyn Meyer; a brother, Robert; and nine grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 4950 W. 79th St., Burbank. Mass will be said at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Gerald Church, 9349 Central Ave., Oak Lawn.
