Reverend Francis D. Dunbar

Whitehall-Reverend Francis Daniel Dunbar passed away peacefully on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Slate Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Granville, NY. He was 90 years old.

Father Dunbar was born on June 21, 1928. He was the son of the late Frank Dunbar of Whitehall and Mary (Troy) Dunbar, originally from Granville.

He attended Whitehall High School graduating in 1946.

Father Dunbar attended St. Andrew’s Preparatory Seminary in Rochester, NY, and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD from 1946 to 1955 and was ordained a Catholic Priest in June 1955.

His first assignment was at St. Francis DeSales Church in Herkimer, NY from 1955-1956.

From 1956-1969, he served as Assistant Pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls, NY with Monsignor Arthur Kiffin.

In 1969 he was assigned to The Cathedral in Albany, NY, later in November of 1969, he was assigned as pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Haines Falls, NY, where he served until 1981.

In 1981 Fr. Dunbar became Pastor at St. Anthony’s Church, in Johnstown, NY, where he served until he retired in 1998 after serving 60 years of Priesthood.

He loved to travel, ski and spend time with his family.

Besides his parents he is pre-deceased by his brother, John B. Dunbar of Hudson Falls, NY, his sister, Mary Catherine Greenwood of Whitehall, NY, his brother-in-law, Leonard T. Nichols of Whitehall, NY.

He is survived by his sister, Anne T. Nichols and brother-in-law, Ray J. Greenwood, both of Whitehall, as well as several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nephews and a great grandniece.

Father Dunbar credited his vocation to his devout family and his mentor, Father Frank Gilchrist.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Hope Church in Whitehall, NY on Friday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m. with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger as principal celebrant.

Vigils for Father Dunbar will take place at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, Skene Street, Whitehall, NY on Thursday, July 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and again on Friday, July 20 from 12-2:30 p.m. with the holy rosary being recited at 2:15 p.m.

Family, friends and parishioners are welcome.

Following the Funeral Mass Father’s internment will take place at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Whitehall.

A reception to celebrate Fr Dunbar’s life will be held in Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall following his burial.

In lieu of flower contributions made be made in his name to Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 9 Wheeler Ave., Whitehall, NY 12887

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Francis D. Dunbar, please visit our floral store.