Francis Xavier “Frank” Dunne, 66, passed away on July 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and a life centered around family.

Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960 to Francis and Mary Dunne. The second of three children, he moved with his family to Wantagh, New York, where he spent his childhood.

After losing his father at just 13 years old, Frank’s mother raised him on her own – and Frank made sure to keep her on her toes. Whether it was “borrowing” her car or throwing parties, he developed the mischievous spirit, quick wit, and unmistakable personality that stayed with him throughout his life.

As a senior at Wantagh High School, Frank met the love of his life, Debbie Dwyer. They married just three years later and built a partnership that lasted more than four decades, sharing a lifetime of adventures, challenges, laughter and love.

Frank became a father at 26 with the birth of his son, Brian. A lifelong Mets fan, one of his favorite stories was watching the 1986 World Series with his newborn son in his arms. Two years later, he welcomed his daughter, Elizabeth, completing the family that became the center of his world while he worked full-time as a professional in the transportation industry.

In 1991, Frank and Debbie moved their family to Stockton, California, where they spent the next 30 years. Frank loved building things with his hands, fixing just about anything, spending time on his boat, fishing, watching baseball, and being present for every stage of his children’s lives – from Little League games to marching band competitions. No matter what Brian and Elizabeth were involved in, Frank was there.

When Brian and Elizabeth were grown, Frank and Debbie embraced a new adventure together, settling in New Port Richey, Florida. Frank quickly fell in love with life on the Gulf Coast. He cherished the friendships he built there, whether serving on the Civic Center Board, serving as president of his fishing club, enjoying a smoke with his Cigar Snobs, or visiting his favorite spots around downtown. Most of all, he loved the life he and Debbie created together.

Becoming a grandfather to his first and only grandchild, Penelope, was one of the greatest joys of Frank’s life. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with her and watching his family continue to grow.

Frank was sarcastic, funny, endlessly curious, and a walking encyclopedia of American history. He proudly referred to himself as a “warehouse of useless knowledge,” and anyone who listened to him knew that title wasn’t entirely inaccurate. He was a gifted storyteller, a wiseass in the very best way, a loyal friend, an excellent drinking partner, and a proud New Yorker through and through. More importantly, he was a devoted husband, an incredible father, an extraordinary grandfather, and the kind of person who made every room a little brighter simply by being in it.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie; his son, Brian; his daughter, Elizabeth; his son in law, Matthew; his cherished granddaughter, Penelope; and the many family members and friends whose lives are richer for having known him.

In keeping with Frank’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in September.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to two organizations that were especially meaningful to him:

Canine Companions, where Frank and Debbie proudly served as puppy raisers, helping prepare four future service dogs for people with disabilities.

Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission of supporting wounded veterans and their families was a cause Frank deeply admired.

To know Frank was to have a story about him. To love him was to know that no paragraph, no obituary, and no collection of words could ever fully capture the man he was. His family will carry his stories, his laughter, and his love with them always.