George O. Dunkerley 1940-2024

Because to all his family and friends, he was just Jud, very unassuming but a powerful force that spoke louder than words. He displayed a dry sense of humor and his knowledge was boundless. If you wanted to find an answer to a question, you could always depend on Jud to give you not only the answer, but the story behind it.

He was a warm person who could always be counted on for a kind word, or more often a witty comment that would bring a smile to your face. His initials speak for him, G.O.D. Always there when needed radiating love, humor, warmth and humility.

Born on April 10, 1940, in Greenville, Pa., he was the son of Louise and George Dunkerley. Jud married his beloved wife, Patricia Graham on Nov. 27, 1965. He was always at her side; and when she became ill, he was her devoted caregiver. She preceded him in death on Sept. 19, 2019.

George spent five years in the Navy, three of which were on a submarine. Hence his quietness and his ability to enjoy the solitude of nature. Jud loved being in the mountains with his wife, where they owned a cabin that they shared with family and friends. It became a retreat for one and all. He also enjoyed wine, walking, baking, bike-riding, being outdoors and gathering with his friends for their men’s breakfast club and pub.

He was employed by GM Lordstown / DTE and worked as a powerhouse shift supervisor for over 45 years, until his retirement. Jud was gifted with a talent for woodworking and all of those who received his gifts proudly displayed his pieces of art. He could tell you the names of almost every bird and enjoyed feeding and watching them. They too became his friends. He was a voracious reader and loved music. There is now a space in our family that can’t be filled. His presence at family gatherings became a present to us all.

Survivors include his five siblings, Clarence Dunkerley and Don Dunkerley of Florida, Barbara Schlosser of Illinois, Florence Canady of Florida and Geraldine Lamar of Tennessee. Another sister, Peggy Culbertson, preceded him in death. Patricia’s family also became his family. They include Marlene and Al Walters of Grove City, Pa., Sydney and Richard Gargasz of New Castle, Pa., Sandra and Richard Graham, also of New Castle, and Albert and Cate Graham of West Pittsburg, Pa. He was a loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He became a second father to his niece, Sherri DeWitt, who was always by his side when he needed someone. She will miss him dearly. His special friend, Barb, will miss him dearly as well.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, Pa.

A Blessing service will be held immediately following visitation, at 4 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home, with the New Castle Area Honor Guard performing military rites.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.

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