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John DUNKAILO Obituary
A native of Scranton, Pa., he had been a resident of Smithfield since 1996. John proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-70, and retired with more than 20 years of service. He then continued his career with the Naval Aviation Depot, as an aircraft tech., retiring in 1993, with some 23 years of service.
There wasn't anything that John could not fix. He was a handyman in all respects. He was passionate about the great outdoors and enjoyed yard work and gardening. John was fond of cats and especially, Maxi, Moxie, and Phoenix. He was a member of Benn's United Methodist Church.
John is preceded in death by his Ukrainian parents, William and Anna Stanko Dunkailo; and four brothers and one sister.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 29 years, Lydia Hudson Dunkailo; two daughters, Judy Sweet and husband, Steve of Smithfield, Susan Dunkailo and companion, Judy Gorham of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons, John Dunkailo Jr. and wife, Colleen of Yorktown, and Michael Dunkailo of Virginia beach; four siblings, Louise Zinsky, Alice Coar, Anne Defelice, and Nicholas Dunkailo, all of Scranton, Pa. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Lindsay Bressett (Brandon), Kaylyn Sweet, and Aaron Dunkailo; two great-grandchildren, Kameron Bressett and Jovi Bressett; his mother-in-law, Janelle Hudson; and brother-in-law, Fil Hudson and wife, Tammy and their children, Nicholas and Jorja.
A service celebrating John's life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at Benn's United Methodist Church, with Pastor O.H. Burton and the Rev. Doug Geeting officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service in the church social hall and at other times in the home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Isle of Wight Humane Society, P.O. Box 273, Smithfield, VA 23431; or the Kanine Kandy Stripers, c/o Bill Owen, 2699 Lake Cohoon Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DUNKAILO
Dawn Martin
July 19, 2010
Lydia, Susan, Judy, John and Mike -
My sister and I have been thinking about our long distance family - your family and hoping you find comfort at this sad time in your lives. We have been cherishing the memories of times we spent with our wonderful Uncle Johnny. We had so much fun with him and his family while we were growing up. He is gone but never forgotten and will always remain in our hearts.
With deepest sympathy,
Love, Dawn, Lynne and our Families
Barbara Overby-Stevens
July 8, 2010
John, Jr. and family-I was sorry to hear about the loss of John, Sr. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Overby Stevens
Mathews, VA
David Pribble
July 8, 2010
Lydia,
I just heard about John's passing and today's funeral and wish I could be there for you. I am so glad that I knew you both and know the days ahead will be difficult, but you have many friends out here that love you and are praying for God's guidance to get you through this. I am sure the kitties will be a comfort. I extend my deepest sympathies...
With Love,
Dave
evelyn ely
July 8, 2010
To all of the Dunkailo Family --
Even though I met John only once when he visited Arizona, I know from that one meeting that he was a special and loving man. May your tears soon turn into smiles as you recall your favorite memories of him. With my heartfelt sympathy.
Judy Gorham
July 7, 2010
Lydia, Susan, Judy, John and Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. John was many things - a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I am honored to call him a friend and will always cherish the time I spent with him in May listening to his stories about the people and the cats that he loved so much. He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to all of you.
Love,
Judy
Eva Honaker
July 7, 2010
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Mr. Dunkailo. We wish you comfort and prayers during this very difficult time.
God Bless. George and Eva Honaker
July 7, 2010
Lydia I was so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was my Oreo buddy and just and all around neat guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Vickie, Paul Zachary and Anna
July 7, 2010
Lydia, We were so sorry to hear of Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Vickie, Mable and Lisa ( ESH)
July 6, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Dunkailo's passing. I attended Phoebus with John and Susan and remember him fondly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry (Conner) Fitzpatrick
Jan Filipiak
July 6, 2010
Susan, Lydia, Judy, Mike and John...
May the love of family and friends bring you comfort at this time. I have such a warm and wonderful memory of John's visit out to Arizona and the time he spent in my home. I hold y'all so very close in my heart.
July 6, 2010
Lydia, after my husband's heart attack at an early age, my mother told me to hold tight with open hands. It was good advice, gal, so hold tight to those delightful memories and let John's spirit fly fee. He's now in the most loving of hands -- ones that were wide open to receive him.
Charnell
July 6, 2010
Lyd-yah. You both were very fortunate to have enjoyed the company
of each other for 29 years. I hope that it will serve as some comfort
to you to know that you are in my thougths and prayers.
With love and sincerity.
Peg Branton
Peggy Branton
July 6, 2010
Lyd-yah. You both were very fortunate to have enjoyed the company and love
of each other for 29 years. I hope that it will serve as some comfort
to you to know that you are in my thougths and prayers.
With love and sincerity.
Bevely Stanworth
July 6, 2010
Lydia,
Our thoughts go back to the days when we had so much fun together,wedding, camping,doing hair and just having fun with the families. He was loved by everyone who had the honor to know him.
With Love and Prayers
Roland and Beverly Stanworth
Lynn (Turley) Bell
July 6, 2010
Judy & family,
I am sorry for you loss and prayer for comfort for you and your family. You will be in our prayers.
cindy burks
July 6, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Keep your memories close to you. cindy Hartsell burks
rachel pittman
July 6, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We are so sorry for your loss. Lydia, please know that we are thinking and praying for you and the family. Brian, Rachel & Annie Pittman
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