He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 1, 1955, the son of Milda and Norman Dreifuss. Gunars attended the Upper Darby school system. He attended Princeton on a sports scholarship playing baseball and football, and acquired the nickname “The General” because he was always in the lead.

Gunars then attended New York University and earned an MBA. He lived in New York City, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Sue Eagle, a native of Charlotte, N.C. They married in 1980 at Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, starting their life together in Texas, moving to Chicago and Tennessee, and ending in Connecticut, where they raised their daughter, Kristin. They enjoyed traveling and having fun adventures. Gunars loved the arts as much as ESPN. Gunars will be remembered for his character, perseverance, integrity, and loyalty.

Gunars is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Kristin; and sister Cynthia Hartman, her husband, Bill, and their son, Tyler. Gunars is also survived by his Southern family, Mr. and Mrs. A.K. Hardee III; Charles Steven Eagle and his wife, Carter; A.K. Hardee IV and his wife, Shelly; and Martha E. Hardee; and his nieces and nephews. His family and his lifelong college friends were beside him while he fought valiantly before his passing.