John "Sonny" R Dunbar

It is with immense sadness, matched only by the joy and gratitude for his life of grace, that we share the blessing of our beloved father, John “Sonny” Dunbar, who entered eternal life on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after a three-month stay at The Willows in Oakmont.

Ever a Pittsburgh boy at heart, Sonny was born on April 17, 1931, to Mary Angel Dunbar and Robert Harvey Dunbar. His mother, a soaring soprano, and his father, an employee of Warner Brothers, filled his early life with music, storytelling, and cinema. Singing became his lifelong passion, and his vibrant personality was always worthy of the stage.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his angel daughter of 14 years, Stephanie Ann Dunbar; his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Fucich) Dunbar; his sister, Audrey McCarthy and his cherished best friend, Teresa Verteramo.

A graduate of Westinghouse High School and later Howe Military Academy in Howe, Indiana. Sonny served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. For his dedication and heroism, he was recognized with a citation from his son, Representative George Dunbar. After his service, he attended Robert Morris University to prepare for his professional career, which he fulfilled as a Superintendent Cost Accountant for Mine Safety Appliances, a role perfectly suited to his meticulous nature and love for precision.

Sonny’s Catholic faith was the anchor of his life. An ardent Catholic, his service to the Church was constant and joyful. He began at Holy Rosary Church in Homewood as a lector, usher, and member of the choir. He later joined Sacred Heart Parish in Shadyside, where he and his wife, Betty, led teams for Our Ladies of Sacred Heart, and he sang in the choir, often featured as the bass voice in, “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” After Betty’s passing, Sonny moved to Lower Burrell and became a devoted member of Mount St. Peter Church, where he again lent his voice to the choir and offered his service at fish fries and other parish activities. His steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to the Church were constants throughout his life.

Sonny is survived by his three children: Joy “JD” Dunbar and her husband Hank Faller, State College, PA, Robert H. Dunbar, Melbourne Beach, FL, George Stephen Dunbar and his wife Sandy, Jeannette, PA.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Stephanie Campbell, Erin Gismondi, John Robert Dunbar, Alex Joy Day, and Samantha Dunbar, Great Grandchildren, Avery and Everett Campbell, Luca Gismondi and Marcelline Dunbar. He is also survived by a sister, Beverly Miller and his thoughtful caregiver, Donna McGuire as well as many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know him.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 4-8 PM at Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc., 1509 Fifth Avenue, Arnold, PA 15068 JohnPaul Bertucci Supervisor/Owner. Prayers of transfer will take place Friday at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Mount St. Peter Church in New Kensington. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Penn Hills.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount St. Peter Catholic Church or, in honor of Sonny’s lifelong love of birds, to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

Sonny’s song has ended, but his melody will live forever in our hearts.

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