Gerald J. Dunbar

TO THE DUNBAR FAMILY,
SO SORRY TO READ THAT JUDGE DUNBAR PASSED AWAY. MY HUSBAND AND I, WERE RECOMMENDED TO GERALD DUNBAR WHEN WE NEEDED HIS ADVICE AS AN ATTORNEY.
I WAS VERY HAPPY WHEN I READ THAT HE HAD BECOME A JUDGE. I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. MY DEEPEST SYMPHONY TO YOUR FAMILY.
CAROL AND RICHARD MANGELS, FORMERLY OF BROOKLYN, NY

Christine: I don't know you but I knew Gerry. I was born only four years after him, but when you are 19 and the other person is 23 it makes a big difference. I was his roommate at 31 St. Mark's Place for about a year starting sometime in 1970--I met him as a co-worker at NYU's Science Library in 1969--and he opened up a whole new world to me, of books and music and politics: I first heard John Coltrane's music when I visited him at the apartment, before I lived there. I had my first drink...

Dear Chris,

I am very sorry for your loss, which is also our loss in the legal community. I met Gerry when we were both candidates for Civil court judge in 2004. I thoroughly enjoyed our Brooklyn campaigning odyssey, as surreal an experience as one might ever have in life. On many occasions, Gerry's irreverance and finely tuned sense of humor helped me put the day's events in proper perspective. For example, there was at least a week on the campaign trail where neither of us could...

Chris,

I can't find the words to express my friendship with Gerry; I no I am Blessed having had met Gerry on this earthly journey. He allowed me to grow to be one of the best and sort after election consultant.

I will always remember his smile and the way his eyes danced when he came up with a plan when we worked to get so many judges elected, Brooklyn will never be the same. Rest assured I will stay in touch God Bless You.

Dear Christine,
Ernie and I feel privileged to have spent time with Gerry and you at the hospital. We were all in shock. It's a cliche, but accurate to say he was looking death in the eye, and yet Gerry remained calm, soft spoken and gracious. True courage was at his core. One more conversation - about how we admire him - that we cannot have.
Thank you for the beautiful memorial service. It was a blessing.

Poem for Gerry, May Second, Two Thousand and Seven


What do we have
when we have known someone
over half of our lives?
Gerry we called you…
and of course Gerald, and Ger,
bro, our brother, comrade, friend…

We sit in this still place
and want the right words
to take us forward,
take us to where the world
does not move on its own
but goes to where things go only
as we intend…

The elegies of Thomas Gray
gave no comfort,
nor did the...

Christine: I met Gerry in Judge school and we joined the Queens Civil Court together. We became friends immediately and I enjoyed all the time spent with him in Court and away at our seminars. I learned so much from him and I will miss him. I enjoyed hearing all the stories about his life at the Memorial Service and I am thankful that I had the privilege of knowing him and being his friend for the two plus years we served together. I wish you all the best.

Dear Christine,

Gerry's memorial was a moving tribute to a fine man, a good lawyer and a wonderful friend. As his former law professor, mentor and office mate, I will sorely miss him. His sensitivity to, compassion for, and tireless efforts on behalf of, those of lesser fortune who could not speak in their own interests was a testament of his deep commitment to social justice. He was a role model for what a lawyer should be.

Christine,

Your eulogy to Jerry, written and spoken from the heart was so much better than any entry I could ever make on these pages. I am sure Jerry was listening and like the rest of us in the audience had tears in his eyes. Love shared is the greatest gift.