Obituary of Gerald Francis Dunn

Gerald Francis Dunn, "Jerry," age 91, of Shelton, CT and formerly of Trumbull, CT, devoted husband of Jeanne Schoemburg Dunn, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Bishop Wicke Health Center, Shelton. Born in Bridgeport, CT on March 21, 1935, he was the only child of the late Francis W. and Helen Sullivan Dunn. After graduating from Fairfield Preparatory School, Jerry continued his education at Fairfield University and graduated in 1957. Drafted into service, Jerry was a proud US Army Veteran, serving mostly in Germany. Before he reported for duty, he met the love of his life, Jeanne, through mutual friends. They corresponded regularly while he was deployed and their love grew despite the distance between them. They married in 1962 and moved to Trumbull to begin their life together and raise a family.

As a young man, Jerry found his passion for trucks and the trucking industry while driving for Hurzeler Brothers Trucking. He loved sharing stories about the businesses to which he delivered and the people he met. This experience was the foundation for his career as an operations manager in the transportation industry. After retiring, Jerry indulged his hobbies, traveled, watched Jeopardy! and Mets games and drank a beer or two with his buddies. Jerry loved spending time at the family cabin on the Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks. He transformed the small cabin to accommodate his growing family by adding multiple additions and a second cabin. Jerry was the ultimate handyman and volunteered to help friends and neighbors with projects. Jerry was often in his workshop creating something special. His woodworking skills were legendary and he took great pride in building wooden toys for his grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Jeanne, survivors include his children, Kathleen Surdan and her husband Ken of Acton, MA, Maureen Kmetz of Shelton, CT, Tricia Dunn of San Diego, CA and Kevin Dunn of Waterbury, CT; ten grandchildren, Kayla Gomes (Dave), Kyle Kmetz, Janelle Kmetz, Mia Kmetz, Jackie Surdan (Mike Kordosky), Michelle Surdan, Alex Surdan, Max Grossbard, Nicole Grossbard and Sophia Grossbard; two great-grandchildren, Audrey Gomes and Calvin Gomes and two beloved nieces, Christine Dodd and Sarah Ekern. Jerry is also survived by Charlie Hurzeler, his best friend since childhood.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:00 am, meeting directly at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery, Guilford, CT. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

The Dunn family would like to thank the staff of Pavilion 4 at Bishop Wicke for caring for Jerry with compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa Church.