Alfred “Bunk” William Hensler, Jr.

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alfred “Bunk” William Hensler Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully at home in Richmond, VA on 18 August 2025.

 

Bunk was born on September 17, 1938, in Essex, MD, to Alfred William Hensler Sr. and Cecilia Hensler. In 1978, Bunk moved to Ocean City, MD to take a shot on a dream.  He and his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Hensler, borrowed $1,000, packed up their young family, moved from Baltimore, MD to West Ocean City, MD and opened up a bait and tackle shop, “Bunk’s Bait and Tackle.”  Thereafter, they expanded to include a sub shop, “Pat’s Place,” and a grocery store in the Trader Lee’s shopping center.  In time, Pat and Bunk took another gamble and traded in the leases on these businesses and bought a property off Rt. 50 and Keyser Point Rd, and established “Pat and Bunk’s Westside Restaurant and Lounge.” For over 17 years, they built a family of loyal patrons (both locals and visitors), making cherished friends through comradery in the community, and the various shuffle bowl leagues, dart leagues, and pool leagues.  Everyone loved Bunk’s famous steamed crabs and seafood chowder! Their bar and restaurant became a place where both locals and visitors found warmth, laughter, and good company.  After selling The Westside in 2000, he and Pat moved to Southern Maryland to be closer to their grandchildren and then moved to Virginia to live with their son and daughter-in-law, Timmy and Jennie, who cared for them for the rest of their lives.

 

Bunk was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Sr. and Cecilia Hensler, his brother Gilbert Hensler, and his sisters Marlene Radcliffe and Alfreda “Sis” Neary. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia, who was his partner in both life and business. Not once since her passing did, he let the day end without telling her everything that happened throughout the day and how much he loved and missed her.    

 

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Lee; his loving children, Susan Ann Blake (Michael), Alfred “Bunky” William Hensler III (Amanda), and Timothy Matthew Hensler (Jennifer); and his cherished grandchildren, Justin Blake, Nicole Blake, Lily Hensler, Luke Hensler, and Kyle Hensler. He will be deeply missed by all who know him, particularly his family and the many friends he considered family.

 

A man of generosity, and humor, Bunk touched countless lives through his friendships, his business, and his love for those around him. A private family service will be held to honor Bunk’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suncrest Hospice (Richmond, VA) in his memory.

 

Bunk may have gone from this Earth, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.