Joseph V. “Joe” Bunetic, age 83, of Fairview Heights, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 8, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, a son of the late Joseph M. and Agnes (nee Obremski) Bunetic.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Bunetic and longtime girlfriend, Amy Hughes.
Joe is survived by his children, Vincent (Laurie Klein) Bunetic of Fairview Heights, Blake (Stephanie Lambert) Bunetic of Dublin, CA, David Bunetic of Belleville, Bobby (Mari Vaca) Bunetic of Clayton, CA, Cindy (Jason) Chor of O’Fallon, and Stacy Bunetic of Fairview Heights; grandchildren, Shaina, Michael, and Collin Bunetic, Cory (fiancée Laura) Bunetic, Emily (Alex) Williford, Kirsten Bunetic, Jessica Grant, Kyle (Emily) Quellmalz, Jeff (Lexi) Quellmalz, and Anna, Caityln, and Addison Chor; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Holley, Braelynn, Eastyn, Jude, Ava, Greyson, Maverick, Carter, Adalynn, Elena, Harper, Kinsleigh, and Ryder; brother, Ken (Liz) Bunetic of Collinsville; sister-in-law, Kathy Bunetic of Swansea; best buds, Larry Knebel and Ken Spisak; friend and ex-wife of their six children, Linda Moon of Imperial, MO; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A 1959 graduate of Belleville West High School, Joe built a career as a machinist and auto-body repairman, spending over 30 years in the industry before retiring from Auffenberg of Belleville. He was a proud member of the Metro-East Automotive Lodge #313 in Caseyville and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. His passion for automobiles extended beyond work—he was a world-renowned expert in Ford carburetors, earning him the title of “The Holley Carb Guru.” His meticulous carburetor restorations helped power the Shelby Mustangs that placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a world-class vintage car show. Joe was also proud to be a founding member of the Belleville West High School Golf Club.
Joe’s life was defined by his love for vintage cars, Holley carburetor rebuilding, and the thrill of dirt track, stock, and drag car racing. Whether attending swap meets, car shows, the casino to play slots, dining out to enjoy a nice steak, or tending to his beautiful flower gardens, he embraced each day with enthusiasm and passion. Joe had an impeccable memory, was a perfectionist with great attention to detail, and his math skills were unmatched. Wherever there was a great deal or a sale, Joe was there. Most of all, he was a devoted family man, his grandchildren’s biggest fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on at their events.
Joe Bunetic leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and a deep love for family, friends, and Fords. He will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd. in Fairview Heights with Fr. James Buerster officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
Memorials may be made to Belleville Township West High School Boys Golf Team or the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW) and will be received at the visitation or by mail, to Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
