Peter Townsend Dunbar, age 73, died on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem, PA. Born at that same hospital on March 23, 1943, to Susan Prentice Dunbar and Davis T. Dunbar, Peter lived during the war in Newport News, VA. The family settled in Bethlehem, PA, where Peter's father was employed after college at Bethlehem Steel, and later moved to a country property in Pipersville, PA. After attending the Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, for several years, Peter moved to the Moravian Academy in Bethlehem and then attended Moravian College, graduating in 1966. Just prior to his senior year he had married Julie Kerridge (Plater). After a short stay in California, the couple returned with their two children, Andrew Townsend Dunbar and Heather Tate Dunbar, to a house near the Delaware river in Williams Township, PA. In 1987, Peter married the Rev. Dr. Sally A. Brown. They moved to Mohnton, PA, in 2000, where he resided at the time of his death. Peter's varied career culminated in several deeply satisfying years in banking, beginning at First Valley Bank, Bethlehem, where he focused specifically on the bank's goal of giving back to the community and where, for a time, he served as secretary of the Board. In his career, Peter formed lasting professional ties and deep personal friendships. Peter Dunbar was a man of exuberant love and joy whose warmth of spirit embraced all. He had an abiding faith in God's amazing grace. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem for over 25 years. There he served on the Board of Deacons and later the Session, led fellowship groups, and taught new members' classes. In 1998 he joined St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster where he served as a vestryman and teacher. Survivors: In addition to his wife, his two children, and their mother, Peter is survived by his two sisters, Selden Dunbar Illick of Vero Beach, FL; and Glenny Dunbar of Cumberland, ME; as well as his four grandsons, Teo Scott, Finn Scott, Quinn Dunbar, and Spencer Dunbar. Services: A Memorial Service has been scheduled at St. James Episcopal Church, Orange and Duke Streets, Lancaster,, on Monday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to pearsonfh.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to these organizations, prominent among those significant to Peter: The Bach Choir of Bethlehem: http://bach.org/ St. James Episcopal Church: http://saintjameslancaster.org/ The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ Alzheimer's Research (Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Neurology): http://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/support/

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Published by Morning Call on May 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Dunbar

13 Entries

Fred Cort

May 28, 2016

Dear Sally
I received the news today of Peter's passing. It does not seem possible given Peter's embrace of life. From our time together at First Valley and First Presbyterian and in the years after Peter always set the example. For him it really was better to give than to receive and he gave freely of his time, his treasure and especially his love. In a politically correct era he still understood that a hug could bring comfort and joy and I will miss his hug in greeting. His loss will be felt in many ways. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know,

May 22, 2016

Dear Sally, We are missing your charming husband, Peter already. We have been in quiet denial of his passing since the first time we got the news. We are weeping for you. His love and admiration for you was clear to us in about 10 different ways. Blessings and courage are on their way to you from us. Robert and Jeanne Mosebach

S. K.

May 22, 2016

Prayers of comfort to the entire Dunbar Family. May each of you find comfort and strength in your memories. God bless.

mary jane trembley

May 19, 2016

Hi Sally
I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost Tom on August 22,2015. So I feel for you.
Mary jane trembley

Matthew Young

May 18, 2016

I grew up in the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, PA, where Peter's ministry of presence had a profound impact on me as child, teenager, and young adult. Even among all those folks in that great, great church, Peter's singular countenance stands out in my memory to this day. His warmth, grace, and strong, loving embrace is just unforgettable -- even decades later. Thank you, Peter, for showing me what is possible in the simple ministry of momentary encounter. Sally, Jill and I are heartbroken for you and yours. We stand with you in sorrow and hope... but more sorrow at the moment.

Lucy and Vince Tomanio

May 13, 2016

Dear Sally, we are very sorry to hear about Peter's Passing. We still talk about your 40th birthday and how much fun we had with yourself and Pete. Those were great days. We will always remember Pete's warm smile and mild demeanor. Peter will be missed by everyone he new.

Our deepest condolences,
Lucy and Vince Tomanio

May 13, 2016

Dear Sally and Family:

These words capture the Peter I will always remember: "Peter Dunbar was a man of exuberant love and joy whose warmth of spirit embraced all. He had an abiding faith in God's amazing grace." Always to be counted on for a hug and a kiss, Peter was a joy to be with. His frequent presence in daily chapel when he was in Princeton was a testament to his faith. And it was always so obvious to me that he LOVED Sally. I trust God to provide the strength you need for the days ahead, knowing that you will be borne up by that amazing grace in which Peter so firmly believed. May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God and the presence, comfort, peace and consolation of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Nancy Lammers Gross
May 13, 2016

Darrell and Judy Guder

May 12, 2016

Dear Sally,

Judy and I are deeply saddened to receive the surprising news of Peter's death. We are grateful for the comfort and faithfulness you have evidenced in the announcement to the campus community which Jim just distributed. We will continue to pray for you and for your family as you mourn this loss, asking especially for the constant assurance that your separation is not final We are grateful for Peter's life, his witness, his good humor, and for the gift of precious memories.

Darrell and Judy
May 12, 2016

Bill Gorman

May 12, 2016

To say I am in total shock is an understatement. I just saw him less than two months ago when he came to my office for his taxes. Sally, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. Peter was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. A total class act, with an undivided optimism in life, god, and his family. He talked to me many times about Andrew and Heather and his lovely grandchildren. Although I never met his kids personally, I feel I knew them through Peter's kind words. My heart and sympathy goes out to Sally, Andrew, Heather, and their kids in the tremendous emptiness you feel at this time. Peter will be sorely missed by many of us, but especially his family. Our only salvation is that the good Lord will openly embrace Peter as a worthy recipient of his ever-lasting love and devotion, and Peter's underlining rejoicing of ever-lasting life. May God Bless You All! Bill Gorman

David Mertz

May 12, 2016

His bright smile, his wonderfully soothing voice, his warm embrace of everyone he met. Oh, and his love of a good single malt.

Jane Kapinas

May 12, 2016

Dear Family of Peter,
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of this youthful life...I worked with Peter at First Valley Bank, quite a number of years ago, though not directly, since my role was in the Trust Department. However, we worked on community service ventures together, on behalf of the bank. Our paths have also crossed at the Bach Choir events, since I am a Board member there.
Peter was a gentle soul and shared his light-hearted way with everyone.
Peace to your minds and hearts...
Jane Kapinas

Deborah Hunsinger

May 12, 2016

"Peter Dunbar was a man of exuberant love and joy whose warmth of spirit embraced all."

This is the sentence that brought my grief to the surface, enabling my tears to fall. It captured so well what I knew of Peter. His warmth of spirit embraced me (and others) even at casual social gatherings at the seminary. I found myself drawn to him time and again.

I grieve especially for you, Sally, to have lost your dear beloved husband after all these years. I am carrying you in my heart each day as i try to imagine the scope of this incomprehensible loss.

Steve Kreglow

May 12, 2016

Deepest Sympathy.

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