SFC. Eric J. Dunn, U.S. Army Retired

SFC. Eric J. Dunn, United States Army Veteran, Retired, 62, of Stratford, New York, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, after suffering an apparent cardiac event.

He was born in Kingston, New York on April 10, 1962 and was the son of the late, Joseph and Evelyn (Marks) Dunn. Eric attended Kingston High School and Saugerties High School where he graduated with the Class of 1980.

On November 12, 1980, Eric enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed around the United States and overseas. He served his country in the Gulf War and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. Eric received an honorable discharge after serving and retiring with 20 years with the Army.

After his time in the military, Eric moved to the Adirondack Mountain area, settling in Stratford, New York. He was formerly employed with Rawlings Bat Factory as well as North Hudson Woodcraft. His final employment was with ARC Lexington at Stratford, New York, for the last 14 years.

Eric was of the Christian faith and recently became a member of the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department.

Eric was united with his companion, Rose Daley for over 12 years together where they shared a home, spent their time taking care of their property and engaged with the many animals within nature that surrounded them. Eric loved nature and spent much of his free time, hiking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cutting wood, taking adventurous rides with his family and spending time with his beloved dog, Pearl. He enjoyed watching the deer, black bears and his friendly porcupines that frequented their yard. Eric was a very family-oriented man and was loved deeply by his family.

He is survived by his best friend and companion, Rose Daley at home; his children, Eric Dunn of Sierra Vista, AZ, Brandon Dunn and his wife, Amy of Kansas City, MO, Forest Dunn of Carthage, NY, and Breanna Handy and her husband, Micah of Fort Plain, NY; step-daughter, Amanda Rawson-Hart of St. Johnsville, NY; grandchildren, Channing Dunn, Adela Dunn, Nevaeh Dunn, Willow Dunn, Quentin Dunn, and Enoch Handy; a brother, Joseph “Jed” Dunn of Oppenheim, NY; a sister, Nancy Dunn of CA; nieces and nephews, Naomi and Paul Hope, Tina Dunn, David and Chantal Mills, Rebbeca and Zach Edwards, Colleen Mills, Mike and Elizabeth Mills, Tommy Mills, Megan and Randy German and Cody Mills; his cherished dog, Pearl; many cousins and extended family.

A military memorial service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon), at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, New York 12871. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the service at 12 p.m. in order for the cemetery escorts to properly organize the procession to the ceremonial pavilion. Member of the United States Army Honor Guard will accord Eric his military funeral honors after the memorial service. He will receive an Earth burial and visitors may inquire at the information desk to locate his sacred gravesite. A Celebration of Life Reception will be hosted by Eric's family and will be held following his burial service on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Whiman Brewing Company, 20 Lake Avel, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Friends and family are all welcome.

The Dunn Family, is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremation and Funerals.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Dunn Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a memory or photo for his online memory book.

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