Obituary for Gary B Dunkelberger
Age 74 of Newark, DE passed away Friday, February 19, 2021, in the early morning hours at home surrounded by his loving family after bravely battling cancer for 11 months.
Gary was born May 8, 1946 and grew up in Tuxedo Park, Newport, DE. He was the second of five children born to the late William T. and Anna M. (Battaglia) Dunkelberger. He attended St. Matthews grade school and was a 1965 graduate of Salesianum School. Gary proudly served his country as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy operating as a radioman. He was employed for many years as a machinist at Allied Steel until their closure, and then began his second career at MBNA/Bank of America, from which he retired in December 2019.
One of Gary’s proudest memories was playing football for Salesianum alongside his brother, Paul. They were Salesian football legends of their time as they went undefeated in 1964 under Dim Montero’s leadership. Years later, he went on to coach his son, Patrick, in football at both Holy Angels School and Sallies. Gary had many athletic pursuits from his youth well into his adult years, including bowling, softball and touch football. He also enjoyed fishing from his boat which was aptly named “The Jill and Pat." In more recent times, Gary could often be found at Delaware Park betting the ponies or playing the slots. He was quick-witted and loved a good laugh. He was always happy to lend a hand whenever needed. Gary was truly one of a kind and will surely be missed by many.
Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 36 years, Geri, until her death in 2004; his brothers, William T. Jr. and Paul W.; his father and mother-in-law, George F. And Anne S. (Dougherty) Cunningham; his sisters-in law, Jeanne L. Dunkelberger and Karen M. Cunningham, Esq. and brother-in-law, G. Michael Gold.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Jill D. Aaron (Pat); his son, Chief Petty Officer Patrick R. Dunkelberger, USCG (Stacie); his grandchildren, Ethan, Sofia and Ava Aaron, and Connor and Owen Dunkelberger; his sisters, Patricia A. Edwards (David) and Susan D. Kriznuski (Thomas), with whom he resided during his illness; sisters-in-law, Sherry L. Riale (Wayne), Nancy Talabisco (Paul), Lynne C. Kalinowski (Joseph), Mary C. Bedwell (Donald), and Kristin J. Cunningham; brothers-in-law, George F. Cunningham and Stephen J. Cunningham (Deborah); devoted companion of 9 years, Susan Rose; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice who rendered care to Gary in his time of need. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home 1400 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805, on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 11:30 am. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Interment at All Saints Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Salesianum School Endowment/ Scholarship Fund in memory of Gary B. Dunkelberger. Attn: Advancement 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802.
Gary was born May 8, 1946 and grew up in Tuxedo Park, Newport, DE. He was the second of five children born to the late William T. and Anna M. (Battaglia) Dunkelberger. He attended St. Matthews grade school and was a 1965 graduate of Salesianum School. Gary proudly served his country as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy operating as a radioman. He was employed for many years as a machinist at Allied Steel until their closure, and then began his second career at MBNA/Bank of America, from which he retired in December 2019.
One of Gary’s proudest memories was playing football for Salesianum alongside his brother, Paul. They were Salesian football legends of their time as they went undefeated in 1964 under Dim Montero’s leadership. Years later, he went on to coach his son, Patrick, in football at both Holy Angels School and Sallies. Gary had many athletic pursuits from his youth well into his adult years, including bowling, softball and touch football. He also enjoyed fishing from his boat which was aptly named “The Jill and Pat." In more recent times, Gary could often be found at Delaware Park betting the ponies or playing the slots. He was quick-witted and loved a good laugh. He was always happy to lend a hand whenever needed. Gary was truly one of a kind and will surely be missed by many.
Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 36 years, Geri, until her death in 2004; his brothers, William T. Jr. and Paul W.; his father and mother-in-law, George F. And Anne S. (Dougherty) Cunningham; his sisters-in law, Jeanne L. Dunkelberger and Karen M. Cunningham, Esq. and brother-in-law, G. Michael Gold.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Jill D. Aaron (Pat); his son, Chief Petty Officer Patrick R. Dunkelberger, USCG (Stacie); his grandchildren, Ethan, Sofia and Ava Aaron, and Connor and Owen Dunkelberger; his sisters, Patricia A. Edwards (David) and Susan D. Kriznuski (Thomas), with whom he resided during his illness; sisters-in-law, Sherry L. Riale (Wayne), Nancy Talabisco (Paul), Lynne C. Kalinowski (Joseph), Mary C. Bedwell (Donald), and Kristin J. Cunningham; brothers-in-law, George F. Cunningham and Stephen J. Cunningham (Deborah); devoted companion of 9 years, Susan Rose; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice who rendered care to Gary in his time of need. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the service at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home 1400 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805, on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 11:30 am. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Interment at All Saints Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Salesianum School Endowment/ Scholarship Fund in memory of Gary B. Dunkelberger. Attn: Advancement 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802.