Barnet, VT-  Richard Dean Dunn passed into the arms of the Lord, Monday morning, June 18, 2018.  He was the youngest child of John and Dorothy (Trammel) Dunn, born in Wichita, KS, July 10, 1955.

He had a heart of gold and loved all those he came in touch with as-well-as his dogs and cats and many other animals he had over the years.  He had an extraordinary zest for life and will be missed by all those he had come in contact with throughout his short life.

He leaves behind his partner of 43 years, Jeff Riley; his sisters, Nancy Dunn Terranova and husband George of Middletown, DE and Deborah Dunn Kane and husband Timothy of Elkton, MD; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Dorothy and his older brother, John W. Dunn, Jr.

He grew up in the Media, PA, area and that is where he met his partner in the summer of 1975.  They both realized that they had a lifelong bond that would never be broken.  Together they lived in the Philadelphia suburbs, moving for a brief three years to Florida, and then back to the Philadelphia area.

He held many jobs throughout his life: an animal caretaker at the SPCA, a Residential staff and care giver at several MH/MR care facilities in the Philadelphia area, a school bus driver, a restaurant worker, and as a worker in the hair salon business.

His instant smile and uncompromising love of people brought many people into his life and who forever he held dear.  Jeff brought him to Vermont in 2003, and he fell in love with the people and the place.  He loved his home, his friends, and his animals.  He was at peace here in the green hills he loved so much.  He shall remain with his partner until his time comes and together they will be buried in a small village cemetery in the verdant, lush hills of Barnet, VT.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, June 23, at 3 PM at the Barnet Congregational Church, Church Street, Barnet, VT, with Rev. Douglas Carter, officiating.  A reception will follow in the church vestry.

Donations may be made in his name to the Caledonia Animal Rescue, PO Box 4064, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.