Governor Matt Meyer ordered all flags flown at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff to honor two former Delaware legislators, George Bunting and John Viola, who both passed away last week. In addition, the lowered flags will honor Civil Rights leader, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
“We were saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator George Buntiing,” Meyer said. “George devoted n early three decades to serving the people of Delaware, representing the Cape region with humility, steadiness and a deep commitment to community.”
Bunting served as a member of the Delaware General Assembly for 28 years, 12 of which were in the House of Representatives. In 1996, he was elected to the State Senate after the retirement of his old friend, longtime Senate President Pro Tempore Richard S. Cordrey.
Born on November 20, 1944, the older son of George Howard Bunting Sr. and his wife, Ida Watson Bunting, he and his younger brother Jimmy, grew up in Frankford and attended local schools. Bunting attended Charlotte Hall Military Academy in Southern Maryland, graduating in the early 19602. He attended college for a few years before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving honorably for three years, deployed in the early years of the Vietnam War.
Bunting was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor. Although he made lifelong friends while serving, he also lost several.
“We were the first to take the Viet Cong kind of head-on. That part of my life was one of the many changes in my life,” Bunting was quoted in the Cape Gazette in 2018. “We were there for each other. The biggest change was becoming politically active. I came back, probably with a chip on my shoulder. I was mad at my government for what we’d done.”
When he returned home, Bunting married Donna Gray with whom he had two sons, Clinton and Christian. Tragically, Christian died in a tragic accident at the age of 21. Bunting went to work for DuPont before starting a successful State Farm Insurance Company.
A viewing is planned for Bunting on Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 ‘am to Noon at Mariner’s Bethel Global Methodist Church at 81 Central Avenue, Ocean View, Delaware. A Masonic service will begin at Noon. Bunting will be interred with military honors provided by the Ocean View Mason-Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Prince Geroge’s Chapel, 32043 Ward Lane in Dagsboro. A reception and dinner will follow at the Hope Center in Ocean View.
“We mourn the loss of former House Majority Whip John Viola, a man who devoted more than two decades to serving the people of Newark and Bear,” Meyer said. “John was an Air Force Veteran, a volunteer firefighter and steady presence in Legislative Hall from 1998 to 2020. He led with humility and purpose, always focused on helping people and making life a little better for the families. His service alongside his daughter in the Delaware House spoke volumes about his deep commitment to both family and public service.”
Born June 1, 1950, Viola was a Democratic member representing District 26. He earned an associate degree in business management from Goldey-Beacom College after serving in the Air Force. In 1998, Viola successfully unseated incumbent Republican Richard F. Davis. Throughout his tenure, he was a staunch advocate for working families, championing causes related to better wages, stronger protections and fairer working conditions across Delaware.
Viola and his daughter, Andria Bennett, made history when she was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, the first father and daughter to serve concurrently. In 2020, Viola was defeated in the Democratic primary. There was no information about services for Viola.
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a giant in American politics. From the civil rights movement to his historic presidential campaigns to decades spent advocating for equality across the globe, his fight for working people and racial justice laid the groundwork for generational change,” Meyer said. “He was a progressive before it was cool and a revolutionary when it was hard. His life should be an example to us all that we have a duty to serve our neighbors and fight for what we believe in, especially when the cards are stacked against us.”
Flags will remain at half-staff until Saturday, February 21.
