Reverend John Michael Dunnack
February 2, 1944 - May 17, 2026
Reverend John Michael Dunnack, 82, of Bear, DE, went home to the Lord on Sunday, May 17th. 2026.
Born in Washington, D.C., February 2nd, 1944, the son of George and Dorothy (Haslam) Dunnack. He grew up in Clayton and Smyrna, DE, before leaving home to attend Houghton College, where he met his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Wine), and graduated in 1967. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1974. John was ordained in The United Methodist Church as a Deacon in 1970 and as an Elder in 1974. He served as pastor at Riverdale UMC in Gloucester, MA; Wesley Memorial UMC in East Hartford, CT; Mount Salem, Eastlake, and Mount Lebanon UMC in Wilmington, DE; New Castle UMC in New Castle, DE; and finally Red Lion UMC in Bear, DE, retiring from this last post in 2024. After his retirement and departure from the United Methodist Church, he joined the Global Methodist Church in 2024 and founded Red Lion GMC in Bear, DE, serving as pastor until his full retirement (his third “retirement”) in November 2025. Throughout his 61 years of ministry, Reverend Dunnack was deeply involved in the Delmarva Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis communities, as well as various missions and outreach programs. His favorite projects included serving the Red Bird Mission in Beverley, Kentucky, and supporting Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.
Reverend Dunnack is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary; his brother, George; his sisters, Donna Baynard and Patricia Caple; his son, Glendon; his daughters, Julie Hook and Melinda Dean; his grandchildren, Jordan, Madison, Abigail, Kyra, Devin, Kaylee, and Ian; and his great-grandchildren, Kenai and Elios. He is also survived by his moderately tolerated cats, Fred and Momo. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Dorothy (Haslam) Dunnack.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26th, at Christ the Cornerstone Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at noon. Graveside services will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE, at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at Christ the Cornerstone Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or online by clicking here.
Bud and Nancy Downey
Such a loss. Remembering all the special times we shared with John and Mary.
Tracey and Paul Hoopes
Reverend Dunnack guided us on our journey to the alter and later married us 34 years ago. He was always so kind and involved in the New Castle United Methodist Church and a wonderful spiritual leader. God Bless him.
Ann tharp
Pastor John, was such a
Blessing in my life and also to many others. I knew him for over 30 years and he was always there for me and I have such great memories of him. You will be missed. Matthew 25:23 Well done good and faithful
Servant . Ann Tharp
Simon Ellison
Dear Glen and family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Knowing the incredible life he led as a reverend, it is easy to see where your own strength and integrity come from. Your father was a truly remarkable man, and his legacy lives on clearly through you all. May he rest in peace.
Sending all my prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Simon
Shirley Hills
Sending all my love and prayers to Mary and family. John was so loved and such a big part of my wonderful Emmaus experience.
Samuel Harrell
I feel so blessed to have partnered in recent months with Pastor John in Gospel ministry. He was a faithful and faithful filled man of God and I will miss him until I see him again in glory. Love and blessings to the family!
Eddie Olivo
My çondolenses. Pastor John was my tutor and sponsor in my ministry. Support the hispanic/latino ministry and youth. We will never forget you.
Kevin Goodwin
I knew Pastor John for years thru our mutual involvement with Walk to Emmaus and the Red Bird Mission trips. He had the courage to allow me to fill his pulpit several times when he and Mary went on vacation. A dear friend who will be greatly missed by many.
Rita Dean
Jordan/ family:
We are so sorry for your loss. My husband loved to listen to his services online. Again, we are sorry for the loss and am sending hugs especially to Mary. Love and hugs. Aunt Rita & Uncle Johnny
Kristen Williams
My sincerest condolences to all of the Dunnack family. Rev. Dunnack taught me that faith did not always have to be so serious – that it could be lighthearted and fun. His will certainly live on through you all and so many others who loved and appreciated him! ~Kristen Williams
Kevin Fearnley, Genevieve Pantin Fearnley, Jacques Pantin
Dear Glen,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your father, Reverend John Michael Dunnack.
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, reading about his extraordinary 61 years of ministry, service, and devotion to both faith and family makes it very clear that he lived a remarkable and meaningful life. The impact he had on so many people and communities is truly inspiring, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue through all those whose lives he touched.
As a team, this message resonates deeply with us. Having recently experienced the loss of a parent within our own family, we understand firsthand the profound sadness and emptiness that comes with losing someone so loved and respected. At the same time, there is comfort in knowing how greatly admired your father was and how meaningful his life’s work will remain to so many.
On behalf of all of us at Fearnley Group, please extend our heartfelt condolences to your mother Mary and your entire family. We hope that the love surrounding you, the memories you shared, and the incredible life your father lived will bring strength, comfort, and peace in the difficult days ahead.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
With deepest sympathy and warm regards,
Kevin Fearnley
Genevieve Pantin Fearnley
Jacques Pantin
On behalf of the Fearnley Group Team