Obituary of Dennis F. Dunmire

Dennis F. Dunmire (Denny), 69, died peacefully at home in Wilmington, on May 3, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania on December 16,1943, the son of Robert and Gertrude Dunmire. After graduating from high school, Denny went to Penn State University where he earned an undergraduate degree in science and a few years later he received a master's degree from Michigan State University. Following his undergraduate degree, he joined the Peace Corps, serving in Nigeria, during the Biafran War, but later was evacuated to Tanzania where he completed his Peace Corp service. In 1968 he returned to the US to teach Biology in Cleveland, Ohio where he met his wife Karen. They were married on November 22, 1969. Denny and Karen left Cleveland to begin a life of adventure, teaching overseas. They began their overseas teaching careers in Zambia.Denny, a science, math, and computer teacher, traveled extensively with his family. He lived and taught in Zambia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Poland, and Spain. For some years he also was on the faculty at North Country School, in Lake Placid. After he retired from teaching overseas, he taught at the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid. Denny was a passionate JV and Varsity soccer coach as well as a wrestling coach for many years. He was a voracious reader, who was most enthused when he was learning about a new scientific theory, the latest technological advances, or reading about history. His life long love of learning, led him to become skilled at carpentry and building. He loved carpentry so much, he spent his summers working on "The Knoll", the Dunmire home in Wilmington. Prior to his illness, Denny was engaged in an active retirement which included everything he most loved. He was at home at the The Knoll surrounded by his eclectic collection of books and music. His tools were close at hand for his next building project, and his lesson plans were meticulously prepared. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor, who never lost his youthful enthusiasm for other cultures. He was also an avid Steelers fan. During his many years overseas he easily adapted to homes in different countries; but his true home and happiest times were at The Knoll surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Karen Dunmire, daughters Erika and Coco Dunmire, and ten sisters and their families: Anne and Terry Bumpers, Evelyn and Lance Benton, Jeanne and Bruce Watson, Roberta and Robert Jack, Marian and John Morris, Kathleen and Michael Woytowish, Arleen nd Rob Pryde, Carol Shepard and Greg Wyant, Nancy Johnson, Laura and Charles Himes. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 from 5:00PM to 8:00 PM at the M. B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY. A Funeral Service and Celebration of the life of Dennis Dunmire will be held Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 AM the M. B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home, Lake Placid, NY followed by burial at Haselton Cemetery in Wilmington, NY. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Denny's memory may be made to the Dunmire Family Fund at Adirondack Community Trust (ACT), P.O. Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946. ph. (518) 523-9904. This fund will support Hospice and local Adirondack causes important to the Dunmire family. Relatives and friends are invited to "light a candle" and share a story or memory for the Dunmire family to cherish at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .