East Bridgewater- Donald J. Dunbar 84, formerly of Whitman died unexpectedly in his home Thursday March 6th. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to the late Eleanor (Reed) Dunbar.
Born in Brockton he was the son of the late Chester and Margaret (Feeney) Dunbar. He spent his boyhood years growing up on Nantucket, where he still remains in contact with friends there. He was a graduate of Whitman High School in 1941 and became a life long resident of Whitman before his recent move to East Bridgewater. He also summered on the Cape in Orleans.
He was a Veteran of WWII having served in the Seabees of the US Navy as a Machinist Mate 2c from 1943 -1945. After the service and through the “GI Bill” Don graduated from the Brockton Business School.
His career spanned 40 years in the banking industry before his retirement in 1988. He was a teller with the National Bank later to be known as Plymouth Home National Bank in Whitman, and later a manager of the same Whitman office. He also served as a trust officer and a loan officer before his position as Vice President of Branch Administration for what became Bank of New England. During those years he attended Williams College and received a certificate in bank administration.
Donald was a very active member of his community and devoted his time serving as treasurer for many non-profit organizations, including the Salvation Army and the Whitman Kiwanis for which he remained an active member and was a past president. He was also active in the Special Olympics.
He was a communicant and active member for many years of the All Saints Episcopal Church of Whitman, where he served as treasurer.
He served on the Whitman School Committee for 3 years, and was a past president of the local PTA.
His interests included boating, fishing, wood working, dancing, cards, reading, music, playing drums and golfing. He was a member of the K of C Golf League, the US Power Squadrons, the “Supper Club” of Whitman, the Orleans Historical Society and the Whitman VFW #697.
He is survived by his four daughters Jennifer Rudolph of East Bridgewater, Constance Gibeault of Taunton, Mary Eleanor Dunbar of Boston, and Elizabeth Smith of East Bridgewater, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late C. Lincoln and John S. Dunbar.
Visiting hours will be at the Blanchard Funeral, Plymouth Street (Rt 58 at the rotary), Tuesday March 11th from 4 to 8pm. The funeral service will be Wednesday March 12th at 10am in the All Saints Episcopal Church, 44 Park Ave, Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery, Essex Street, Whitman.
Donations in his name may be made to the Whitman Kiwanis, Box 369, Whitman, MA 02382