Robert Peter Dunne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father,            Robert “Bob” P. Dunne.  Born on February 9, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey to Martha and Peter J. Dunne, Bob attended Rutgers University, and graduated first in his Accounting class. Bob’s passion for numbers and business led him to pursue an MBA at New York University in the evenings while teaching Accounting at his Alma Mater.  He also earned his Certified Public Accountant license.

During the Korean War, Bob enlisted in the New Jersey Air National Guard, rising to the rank of Captain. He was called to active duty in St. John’s, Newfoundland as a supply officer. He served in the Air National Guard for fourteen years.

He commenced his business career at Johnson & Johnson, followed by an accounting firm in New York.  He was recruited to a small electronics company which was later acquired by Lockheed Electronics. He left Lockheed and joined Harvard Industries, becoming its CFO and, ultimately, CEO.  One of his proudest professional accomplishments was taking Harvard Industries from a small public company to a large, global conglomerate through a succession of mergers and acquisitions. Harvard Industries owned various businesses, including Franklin Press in Miami.  Bob would ultimately purchase and run Franklin, Florida’s oldest printing company, for over thirty-five years with his son, Peter. During his career, Bob co-founded Allaire State Bank in New Jersey and started, operated, merged, acquired, and sold over forty different companies across various industries, including restaurants, data services, equipment leasing, printing, electronics, banking, and real estate.

Bob was known throughout his career for his dedication to his craft, his keen intellect, and unwavering professionalism. He was a consummate businessman, respected by his colleagues and admired by all who had the privilege to know him, many of whom become life long friends.  His work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence set the example of how an honorable man and true gentleman lives his life.

Bob valued humility and prioritized his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather. He was an avid reader, a devout fan of the Wall Street Journal, and loved researching and planning his European vacations. He enjoyed golf, cheering on his football teams, and completing jigsaw puzzles, especially ones featuring images of places he visited. He was a source of strength and wisdom for all who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Dunne; children, Robert Dunne (Marcia), Peter Dunne (Carmen), and Amy Schneeberger (Marc Staubley); and grandchildren, Tara Connolly, Genevieve Dismukes, Ryan Dunne, Lucas Dunne, Ben Staubley, and Heidi Staubley; four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son, James Dunne (Anna), and granddaughter, Emily Dunne.

Bob leaves a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family. May he rest in peace knowing that he lived a life well-lived and made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.