Classmate Profile Page

Obituary

David Henry Dunnack, 79, of Mansfield, CT passed away peacefully at home on April 4,
2026, sleeping next to his beloved wife of 50 years and surrounded by so much love
from family and friends in the days leading up to his death. His much loved dog Augie
never left his side in his final weeks.
David is survived by his wife Sandra, his daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren-
Emily Dunnack and Joseph Charpentier and bonus grandchildren James, Vivienne, and
Tyler, Hannah and Donell Jackson and their children Zella, Moses, and Marigold, Annie
and Jason Tyrell and their children Ezra and Yuna, and Shannon and Ben McBain and
their children Cecily and Luna; as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law George and
Virginia, Mike and Eileen, John and Linda, and his sister Susan Kwastel. He also leaves
behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and beloved friends. He was
predeceased by his parents Jennie and Henry and his sister and brother-in-law Mary
and William Cutler.
Dave was born February 4, 1947 in Willimantic, CT to Jennie and Henry Dunnack. The
oldest of 6 children, his childhood was spent playing ball, spending time at his uncle's
farm, bowling, and working hard starting with his first job as a paperboy at age 9.
Dave was drafted into the Army and stationed in Manheim, Germany, where he got his
first taste of travel and adventure. Upon returning from the service, he trained with his
uncles Del and Ray in house painting, a profession he practiced in various capacities for
over 40 years. Each of the many houses and apartments he and his daughters have
lived in over the years has been touched by the hand of Dave.
Falling in love with Sandra Dunnack, set the course of his life. Married for 50 years and
still madly in love, Dave and Sandi created a beautiful life together. Their shared
interests included tending to their large vegetable garden, hiking, kayaking, and
spending time at their cabin on Amston Lake. Sandi and Dave always prioritized time
with each other.
Together they created a house full of love. Hosting many outdoor barbecues full of epic
lawn game competitions, neighborhood hang outs, extended family holiday feasts, and
dinner parties with friends, they loved entertaining and hosting. A true natural athlete,
Dave loved playing and watching many sports, but had a special place in his heart for
Willimantic slo-pitch softball and UConn women’s basketball.
So by all accounts he was an ordinary man- except that he wasn’t. He was the kind of
man who could build blocks with a toddler for HOURS, the kind of man who happily

became a stay-at-home dad when very few men were making that choice, and the kind
of man who later provided weekly childcare for his grandchildren. He was the kind of
man who after his children were grown and out of the house, thought it was a good idea
to adopt a 12 year old girl who needed a stable and loving home. He was the kind of
man who listened with curious patience to everyone- from the elderly people who
moved their chairs to follow him as he painted their houses, to the shoppers he passed
in store while doing the family grocery shopping. No, he was not an ordinary man- he
was an extraordinary man.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 21 from 5:00-7:00pm at Bacon Funeral home. A
funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00am at Windham Center
Congregational Church followed by a celebration of life at Lucky Strike Lanes located at
185 Stafford Rd., Mansfield Center, CT directly following the service. All are welcome to
come and share your memories. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit
www.baconfh.com