Charles J. Dunne, Jr.

Charles Joseph Dunne JR was born in 1940 and grew up in South Philadelphia. He joined the Navy right out of high school and served on the USS Intrepid. He also served in the Army Reserve for many years.

Charles met his beloved wife, Eunice (nee Mapes), after a Mummer’s meeting. They married in 1962, moved to Lansdowne, PA in 1973 and raised five children. They enjoyed many years together until Eunice’s passing in 2012.

Charles enjoyed life to the fullest. Mostly self-taught, he played several instruments and was well known for playing the saxophone. He loved the Philadelphia Mummers and was a member of the Quaker City String Band. He worked at Boeing for 25 years as a sheet metal worker and an inspector. He loved music and dancing especially with his loving wife. He was an avid dog lover and rescued dozens of them throughout his life. He also enjoyed traveling to OBX and Crystal Beach MD with his family. Crystal Beach MD became their home after he retired. They made many great friends through neighbors and the Senior Center.  He enjoyed walking his dogs Barney and Sasha along the bay. While we swam in the bay he was the lookout for snakes. We fished a few times. Dad was not a master fisherman, he caught the same tiny sunny 4 times.  

Charles was a member of the Lansdowne Auxiliary Police, the East Lansdowne Fire Company, served as a Constable, volunteered for Cecil County, MD Fire Department and was an active member of the Lions and St. Stephen’s Church in MD.

Charles was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Eunice, his parents, Charles and Sadie (nee Marker) Dunne, his sister, Arlene Bennett and his brother, John Dunne.

Charles is survived by 5 children. Charles Dunne III (Sissy), Scott Dunne (Ruth), Jacqueline Sinkinson (Robert), Lorrie Dunne and Edward Dunne (Sue Downing). 

Grandchildren, Bryan Dunne, Nicole Mast (Dan), Tabitha Dunne, Heather Hemmer (Chris), Katie Persico (Carmen), Megan Fitzgerald (Joe Heff), Kyle Dunne and Chippie Dunne. 

Great-grandchildren, Logan and Emma Mast, Adrianna, Jaxson and Aubrey Hemmer, Brynlee Persico and another due in March 2023. Can’t forget Ginger our family emotional support dog. 

Our Dad was the greatest man we ever knew. Everything he did was for his family or community. Every year at Thanksgiving he would leave and come back dressed as Santa. We each got a present and got to tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas. A great family tradition. He later became Santa for St Stephens Christmas bazar as well as for local grade school Christmas pictures. He was funny and a true charmer. Everyone fell in love with him as soon as you met him.   

All during his battle with his brain tumor he was thankful, polite and always apologizing for any help he needed. We know he is now at peace and dancing with our mom in heaven. We are sure she has a lengthy TO DO list for him. Through all the months at home caring for him we got a gift from him. The gift time with Dad and of being together again under 1 roof again as siblings. There were tough times but it brought us closer. He passed knowing he was going to heaven and that he was greatly loved. 

Before Dad went to heaven he met an angle on earth. Sue Gallo AKA Suzie Q I love you! Dad fell in love with you. Our family can never repay you for what you did for us and our Dad. You were amazing with him.   

Interment will be held privately with the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Firefighter’s Relief Fund in Charles’ name.