Benjamin Dale Bunday

Benjamin Dale Bunday, 55, of Schenectady, New York, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024. He was born on October 23, 1968, in Seattle, Washington, to Drake and Jean (Cottingham) Bunday. At a year old, Ben and his parents moved to Richardson, Texas to make their home. Ben had a wonderful childhood, being exposed to wonderful opportunities that allowed him to grow and expand his mind. He enjoyed his involvement in the Indian Guides Scouting Club. He also played soccer at a young age. Ben was musically gifted, playing the violin and piano, and even played in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for five years. He was fascinated with science and reading, was an expert mathematician and physicist at a young age – something that would carry on well into his adulthood.

In 1987, Ben graduated from J.J. Pearce High School in Dallas. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, with a focus in Physics, from the University of Tulsa. At Tulsa, he earned the status of a Goldwater Scholar, graduating with the highest honors. He also was a member of Tau Beta Pi, an honorary physics club. From there, he went on to attend Cornell University and earn his Master’s Degree in Material Sciences and Electrical Engineering in 1995. Throughout college, Ben worked at Texas Instruments until taking his first post-graduate job with Rockwell/Conexant in Newport Beach, California. He went on to work for Sematech, moving to Austin, Texas, and to Albany in 2009. In 2019, he founded his own engineering company, Amag Nanometro, providing exceptional engineering services to companies around the world. Ben was a member of SPIE, where he directed many events for nearly 25 years. He was a renowned scholar in his field and was well-respected among his peers. Ben leaves a legacy of dedication and commitment to the field of electrical engineering.

Ben had a love for life and enjoyed all it had to offer. He was honest and kind with a passionate and faithful heart. He loved large and was a friend to all. Ben was energetic and loved sharing his knowledge with others. He also loved grilling and watching sports, specifically football, loving the Cowboys. He also enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes. He adored animals and treasured his many dachshunds over the years. Ben loved fall weather, camping, and traveling. He enjoyed being a member of the Schenectady War Gamers, a gaming club. Ben loved science fiction, as it stretched his imagination, and history the most.

More than anything though, Ben cherished his family. As a child, he cherished the time he spent with his parents, especially missing his dad greatly when he passed. While at Cornell, Ben met and married Elizabeth Pajoohi, with whom he enjoyed 28 beautiful years of marriage. His devotion to both Elizabeth and their son, Will, was unmatched. He loved being a dad to Will, going to his sports games, taking him on weekly family adventures, teaching the violin, mathematics and history. He taught Will everything he knew. Ben’s deep love for his family will continue to live in them for years to come. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Drake Bunday. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Bunday; Son, Will Bunday of the home; and Mother, Jean Bunday, of Richardson, Texas, Aunt Jane Davis, Cousin Emily Davis, Mother in law Margaret Landau, Sister in law, Meg Goodrich, Niece Abby Goodrich, Cousins Heidi, Alan, Brigette and Brighton Bunday Lieu, and dear extended family, friends and colleagues throughout the world who cherished time with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, Guilderland, New York on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10am, with a reception to follow in the HUPC Fellowship Hall. A second Celebration of Life will be held at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Richardson, Texas on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 3pm, followed by a reception at the Bunday family home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at https://lovetotherescue.org/