Obituary of Eugene Anthony Dunkley

BAKERS MILLS: After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, Eugene A. Dunkley, 76, passed peacefully from his earthly home on Thursday, August 10th with his family by his side.

 Eugene A. Dunkley was born December 28, 1946, to Florence (Twiss) and Harold Dunkley in Bakers Mills.   Upon graduation from Johnsburg Central School in 1965, he went on to marry his high school crush and love of his life, Alice (O’Dell).  Together, Gene and Alice raised their children Amy (Bruce) Cleveland, Deborah (Vincent) Nevins, Samuel (Jennifer) Dunkley and the late Robert Ball, at their home in Bakers Mills.

Gene always practiced honesty, fairness, respect and a stellar work ethic which not only he instilled in his children but also conveyed to his fellow employees. Gene’s career carried him through nearly 40 years in the Barton Mines and the Town of Johnsburg where he then retired in 2008. Once he finally had a bit of time to relax, Gene and Alice found a new shared group of friends and a love of bluegrass music festivals.

Surrounded by his beloved Adirondack Mountains and his love for the outdoors there was not a season that he didn’t have a sport or hobby.  In the fall, he could be found hunting, tracking, and observing signs of our native whitetail deer, black bear and numerous other Adirondack wildlife that shared their home with him.  Gene had a keen sense of the outdoors and cherished his time spent there with his family and countless numbers of friends.

Winter brought on a whole new sport that Gene shared with his children, grandchildren and even his great-grandchildren.  Once enough snow was covering the ground, he was sure to have the snowmobiles ready and revved up for all to ride.  The sounds of these machines were like a call to so many others in the neighborhood.  All were encouraged to jump on and discover the joy of an untouched white wonderland, while still learning safety and respect for nature as they traveled.

After winter melted into spring, the smell of oil, hot rubber and clouds of dust were in the forefront of Gene’s mind.  He loved to hear the roar of stock car engines, cheer on his favorite drivers and most importantly share the stadium snacks with his grandchildren. Rarely could Gene not be seen on the first turn of the grandstand at Fonda Speedway, where he was a devoted fan for over Sixty years.

Gene’s greatest pleasure was sharing his love for his friends and family, and he always took great pride in teaching respect, values, and honesty to all he touched.  In his quiet way, he gave so much and expected so very little in return. 

In addition to Alice and their children, one of Gene’s greatest joys in life were his grandchildren: Jon (Brandi) Tucker, Cassandra (Josh) Leddick, Mark Cleveland (Julia), Megan (Alex) Mitchell, Shawn Nevins, Cole (Kendria) and Ella Dunkley, Jade, Devin and Chelsea (Chris) Ball.  As well as his step-grandchildren: April, Robert and Jessica Cleveland and several great-grandchildren.  In addition, Gene’s family includes siblings: Sue (Jack) Loya and Ernest (Betty) Dunkley, brother-in-law Marvin (Barb) O’Dell, and his special feline companion Sophia.

Gene was predeceased by his parents Florence (Twiss) and Harold Dunkley, his infant son Anthony Eugene, son Robert Ball, grandson Alex Ball, his great-grandson Carter Tucker and several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Our family would like to gratefully acknowledge our wonderful caring extended family and friends, as well as countless agencies.  Your support and caring are greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Sodom Community Church, c/o Rev. Ronald N. Allen, 59 Sodom Cross Road, North Creek, NY 12853.

A memorial service will be held at The Dunkley’s home, 86 Bartman Rd., Bakers Mills, on Monday, August 21^st at 1pm. 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guestbook and directions.