Charles "Gil" Gilbert Dunn Sr.

Charles Gilbert “Gil” Dunn, a longtime pillar of the Kent Island community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2015, after living a long and wonderful life. He was born in Baltimore on June 27, 1918, and after graduating from Baltimore City College H.S., he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola College. He served in the United States Army during World War II and subsequently graduated from the University of Cincinnati Pharmacy School and began his career as a Pharmacist. Gil and his wife, Florence, were married on June 23, 1945, and moved to Kent Island in 1953. There, they raised their family, and he opened the Kent Island Pharmacy, which became a cornerstone of the community, for 44 years. Gil and Florence enjoyed a mutual love for Kent Island and “Doc Dunn” never closed his doors, to help a neighbor and friend. Gil often mentioned, that moving to Kent Island, was one of the best decisions that he ever made in his life. He and Florence were instrumental in establishing St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. An accomplished baseball player and avid Baltimore Orioles fan, he established the first Kent Island Little League. His love of baseball, inspired Gil to create a tribute to his boyhood idol and Queen Anne’s County legendary native Jimmy Foxx in his pharmacy, which became a landmark far and wide and which crowned Gil “Jimmy Foxx’s #1 Fan.” He served as President of the Lion’s Club and the Kent Island Heritage Society. In this latter role, he was single-handedly responsible for the restorations of the Kent Island train station in downtown Stevensville. After learning to play the clarinet while in his sixties, Gil spearheaded the effort to establish the Kent Island Volunteer Band and was a driving force and fixture in the Kent Island Days celebrations. Through it all, he still found time to become a private pilot. But first and foremost, Gil was a loving and caring husband and father. The love of his life, Florence, preceded him in death in 2012, after 67 years of marriage. The couple was blessed with five children, Catherine (McComas), who passed away in 2013; Gil, Jr. of Lexington, KY; Susan (Webb) of High Point, NC; and Florence “Bucky” (Wills) and Mary Dunn of Kent Island; as well as thirteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his two brothers, John and Bill, and survived by his sister, Mary Rouchard of Woodbine, MD. Gil lived and extraordinary life and his personal, professional and civic achievements are an example for all to follow. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but leaves a legacy of love for family and service to his community which will not be forgotten. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Chester, MD. A service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Chester, MD. Burial will be in Stevensville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Kent Island Heritage Society, P.O. Box 321, Stevensville, MD 21666.

Charles "Gil" Gilbert Dunn Sr.

June 27, 1918 - August 9, 2015