Obituary of Robert L. Dunning

COLTON – A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert L. Dunning, 81, a resident of 117 McKabe Road, Colton, will be held at the St. Patrick's Church in Colton on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Giroux presiding. Burial will be held in St. Patrick's Cemetery in the spring. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Colton on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Mr. Dunning passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandy; his three daughters, Susan Long, South Colton; Sherry Yager, Fairport, NY and Stacey White, Richmond, VA; his six beloved grandchildren, Benjamin and Jamie Yager, Nicholas and Lauren Yager, Steven and Megan White, Kaitlynn Long, Kourtnie and Blake Austin and Alannah Long; four great-grandchildren; his three brothers, Raymond Dunning, Colton; Gary and Linda Dunning, Colton; Jerry and Jill Dunning, South Colton; his two sisters, Lorraine and William "Bill" Ford, Pierrepont and Sharon Simmons, Colton as well as many nieces and nephews. Robert was pre-deceased by his parents and a son-in-law, Michael Long. Born in Potsdam, NY on June 7, 1943 to the late Harold and Myrtle Young Dunning, Robert graduated from Colton-Pierrepont Central School, Class of 1963. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam from 1963-1967 as a jet engine mechanic. Upon his return home, he married Sandra L. "Sandy" Wright in March on 1970. Robert worked at the Colton-Pierrepont Central School as a Bus Drive Mechanic for many years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Potsdam Knight of Columbus Council and in his spare time, Robert and Sandy enjoyed going camping, taking motorcycle rides and attending blackpowder shooting competitions where Robert was a skilled marksman. Robert also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Memorial donations in Roberts memory can be made to the Potsdam Knights of Columbus and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Robert L. Dunning.