William Dunn

William G. Dunn, formerly of Mahwah, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 12, 2022 at his home in Califon, New Jersey. 

Bill’s family was the focus of his life.  He was the greatest fan of his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Beverly, and supported her with pride as she pursued her Ph.D. and M.D. and formed a private practice in internal medicine in Waldwick, NJ.  He also heaped advice and love on his two daughters, Karin Dunn Forrester, DMD, and Leda Dunn Wettre, a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey.  His four grandsons, Neil Forrester, William Forrester, Christian Dunn Wettre and Ryan Wettre, were a source of great joy and his captive audience for lessons on golf and life.  His sister Rosemary Dunn Canuncio was his lifelong friend and confidante, as was his cousin Captain William Zuberbuhler, who predeceased him.  He was a devoted son to his parents William Thomas Dunn and Mary K. Greer Dunn.  And he embraced his sons in law Neil Forrester and Christian Wettre as full-fledged family members, appreciating their ability to put up with his feisty daughters and lift heavy objects.

Bill was a Social Studies teacher at Ramapo High School in Spring Valley, New York until his retirement.  He brought history alive to generations of students, integrating current events and music into his lectures to capture their attention.  Students in his International Relations class played roles in recreating the Nuremberg Trials that inspired them to go on to careers in the law. 

Bill was a gifted athlete, and a “student” of every sport to which he devoted himself.  As a child growing up in Bergenfield, NJ, he could nearly always be found on the baseball fields near his home.  He relished tennis and golf later in his life, and grew accomplished in both sports as he strove to unearth the “secret” that would perfect his stroke or swing. 

Bill’s long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease left a palpable absence in the family.  But despite the decline in his ability to communicate as a result of his illness, he always recognized and enjoyed being with his family.  He was able to live at home until the end due to the devotion and medical attention of his wife Beverly, the generosity of Karin and Neil who welcomed him into their home, and the constant doting of his angelic aide Nina. 

The Dunn family will receive friends Wednesday August 17 from 10:30am-12:30pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.  Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's Foundation alzfdn.org.  

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