Gary Edward Dunbar

Gary Dunbar, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, passed away Sunday evening (June 2, 2024) of natural causes. The son of Paul Dunbar, and Leo and Marcella Zacanti, he grew up in Chariton, IA and Palo Alto, CA, attending Gunn High School. Graduating a semester early with his mother's permission, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. While attending "A" School in Albuquerque, NM, Gary collided into Sandy on a snow tube on Sandia Mountain, with her landing in his lap. Four months later, they were married and have been so for 54 years. He deployed to Vietnam in1970 as a Gunners Mate Technician on the USS Piedmont. Gary was a machine gunner on the SWIFT boats for two deployments, completing missions in Vietnam and Laos. His shore duty included Naval Station Adak, AK and Oakland Naval Supply Center, CA. He served on the USS Midway and USS Eisenhower, and as a nuclear weapons inspector/trainer with NWTGLANT Norfolk, VA. From 1974-1978 he was part of the Navy's competitive Rifle/Shotgun/Pistol team, and at the time was the only sailor to beat the USMC rifle champion. Retiring as a Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy in 1989, he took pride in leading, training, and teaching his troops. Upon retirement, Gary and his best friend Rick started PDQ Tool Services, a small business serving military and commercial clients. Gary has always had a big heart, especially when it came to kids. While on the USS Midway, his division adopted a Korean Orphanage. His troops completed service projects in Kenya and other ports of call. When it was time for the annual Navy Relief drive, he was first to take on fundraising. He was a life member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) SSG Jonathan Kilian Dozier Memorial Post 2894 in Chesapeake, VA. He served as the Service Officer for both the Post and District 2. He loved helping veterans and their families cope and overcome challenges around disabilities which often included home modifications, acquiring proper medical equipment and maximizing the benefits that were earned. You would often see him approach any vet to strike up a conversation about the VFW. He enjoyed working on his hotrod and attending car shows. Gary is survived by his wife, Sandy; son Greg and grandchildren Bella and Caterina; daughter Amanda and her husband Todd; his siblings Wes, Paul, Annie, and Jimmy; and Sandy's siblings Pat, Bob and his wife Linda, and Cheryl. Gary spent the 20 years of his career serving his country and the last 25 years doing everything he could to assist others who served and needed help. He is remembered as a leader, teacher, storyteller, comedian, and prankster. A funeral ceremony with US Navy Funeral Honors will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday June 14, 2024, in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Va. 23434