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Robert Dunbar Obituary
March 18, 1942 - May 9, 2025
Modesto, California - Robert Michael Dunbar, 83, passed away on May 9, 2025, in Modesto, California.
Born March 18, 1942, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Robert earned degrees from Indiana University, Indiana State, UC Riverside, and CSU Fullerton. He dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher in Southern California (1966-1972), the Dean of Boys, Learning Director, and Assistant Principal at Merced High School (1972-1980), Principal at Somerset Middle School (1980-1990), Sylvan Elementary School (1990-1999), and Assistant Superintendent (1999-2001) in the Sylvan Union School District.
Robert also served on the Modesto Planning Commission for seven years and City Council for four years. He was also a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto. He loved golf, his Porsche, and time with family.
He is survived by his wife Sharon (Parkhurst) Dunbar; children Michael (Kimberly) Dunbar, Clinton (Sarah) Dunbar, and Shannon (Jerry) Vestesen; grandchildren Kyndal (David) Sum, Collin, Cameron, Everardo, Ashley, and Raven; great-grandchildren Henry and Theo; sister Carol Crain; and brother Joe Dunbar. He was preceded in death by his parents Arch and Mildred Dunbar and brother David Dunbar.
A celebration of life will be held June 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club in Ripon, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries
Mike Dunbar.
October 26, 2025
Still missing you Pop! Love you so much
Ken Schmidt
June 23, 2025
Bob was not only a great principal and educator, but a mentor and friend. His dedication to excellence in education was admirable. I have many fond memories of him. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Russell Antracoli
June 22, 2025
Bob helped me so much and was instrumental in my being hired and successful in the Sylvan School District, God Bless him.
Rod Compton 1980-present 2025
June 15, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Duane Nelson
June 11, 2025
A wonderful man, and a great leader in this community. Condolences to Sharon and the entire family.
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