Francis Joseph Dunigan's Obituary
DUNIGAN, Francis (Frank) Joseph, 93, peacefully passed away Sunday among family in The Villages, FL. Frank was dearly loved by his wife of 65 years, Claire, sister Judy Belair, daughter Amy, son Brian, daughter-in-law Heather, son-in-law Ray Lamia, and grandchildren Ryan, Kyle and Colin. He was predeceased by his mother, Miriam House Dunigan, and his father, Major Frank J. Dunigan, who graduated West Point class of 1915, which included Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradly. His father was killed in a hunting accident before Frank was born.
Frank was born in Philadelphia and was class president of Lower Marion High School. After attending Lehigh University for two years, he joined the Navy as an aviation cadet after the 1942 attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he bravely served as a decorated Navy pilot and Patrol Plane Commander, with over fifty missions in the Pacific Theatre. After 23 years in the Naval Reserve, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, was trustee of the Naval Aviation Association, and chairman of the Mariner/Marlin Association.
Frank loved learning, particularly about the sciences and military history. He received a B.S. in Industrial Engineering after the war at Lehigh where he was president of the class of 1944 and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He also received an M.B.A. from Boston University and, at age 87, a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Delaware.
Frank held managerial positions with Armstrong Cork Company, Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Industrial Models, Inc., and ICI Americas. He also became a Certified Financial Planner.
Frank was a man of deep faith and charity. He was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, where he served as an elder, and was chairman of the Rodney Daycare Center.
He loved sports, playing high school and college soccer and later tennis for many years. He remained a lifelong fan of Lehigh football and wrestling. Frank was very fortunate to spend the last two years living in The Villages, Florida with his family, enjoying the sunshine and activities, and being honored by all his new friends for his service to his country.
He was a world-traveler and hard-working man of integrity and charisma. His quick wit and easy-going charm will be missed by all who loved him.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, July 31, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Wildwood, 203 Barwick St., Wildwood, FL. 352-748-2530, followed by interment at 2:00 PM in Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
In lieu of sending flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to The Villages Honor Flight, Inc. PO Box 490, Lady Lake, FL 32158-0490
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