Obituary of Robert W. Dunn, Sr.

On January 12, 2016, at the age of 75 years old, Robert W. Dunn Sr. transitioned at his residence in Plainfield, NJ at 4:35 pm. During his last hours he was blanketed by the warmth and comfort of both his family and friends. He was affectionately known as "Bobby", "Uncle Bobby", and of course, "51", and referred to with legendary regard. Bobby was born on October 10, 1940 in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. He was one of six children, born to proud parents, Moody Frazier Dunn and Augusta L. Dunn. Bobby had five siblings. The tight knit bond they shared as children would remain as such well into their adult years and likely beyond. Make no mistake about it; their relationship with each other superseded any others they may have forged. Collectively, they touched the lives of countless members of their community. Bobby attended Franklin K. Lane High School, where he aspired to one day work with children or own a business. There he met and shortly after high school, married his first love, Gladys Elaine Dove. The beautiful young couple would be blessed with four wonderful children; Rhonda, Robert Jr., April and Kelly. Bobby now a young man, continued his education at the "School of Hard Knocks". There he most certainly earned a "Master's Degree". When in his mid-twenties, he was appointed by Mayor John Lindsay as the Director of the Satellite Youth Program in Brooklyn. His next major endeavor involved his investment in the formation of "Hour Power", a family janitorial business started by his brother, Malcolm. That business would eventually take on a new direction and evolved into Dunn and Sons Maintenance Corporation which was operated out of New Jersey. Bobby would then be compelled to relocate his family to the suburban life in New Jersey. After many good years together, Bobby and Elaine ended their marriage but the maintained their friendship and love for each other. Bobby was fortunate to find love again with Joann Wilkins (deceased). Through their loving relationship they had two beautiful daughters, Shawne and Diann (Nikki). Having a deep sense of community, he would develop strong bonds with all of its members. This held true from his hometown of Brooklyn to Plainfield where he would remain until the end. Whether you were knee high or sky high, the people loved "Uncle Bobby" and he loved them right back. As he would say, "Back at you, baby." Bobby had a spirit of entrepreneurship which lead him to open and operate a local supper club in Plainfield called "Desiree's". In all of his accomplishments, he was the proudest of being a father to his six children. Bobby not only wanted the best for his children, but also expected the best of his children, in all facets of their lives. His children fondly remember Bobby as a strict disciplinarian and now understand the "method to the madness". With his charm, charisma and larger than life personality, Bobby had a way of commanding a room. He will always be remembered for his infectious sense of humor and his incredible gift of delivering a story. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching football, basketball and boxing. During his final moments, he was surrounded by family and friends who comforted him until the end. As he lay in the bed, one could not help but to be inspired by the shear will and determination he displayed while dealing with his condition. He was the perfect example of "mind over matter". He lived his life on his own terms and died the exact same way. The quality of his existence will far exceed the quantity of the time he lived! Bobby was preceded in the death, by his son, Kelly Dunn, his sister, Cyra Wynette Sykes-Collier and his grandson, James Vincent Honegan Jr. He is survived by his children, Rhonda Honegan (James), Robert W. Dunn Jr.(Camille), April Askew (Jeffrey), Shawne Dunn-Smith(Gregory), Diann "Nikki" Dunn; fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; siblings Malcolm Rodney Dunn, Maxine Ellen Salaam, Hugh Daniel Dunn, Jerrelyn Lydia Woodard; many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.