Jason Patrick “Jay” Dunkelberger
October 10, 1996 - June 19, 2025
Jason Patrick “Jay” Dunkelberger, age 28, of Odessa, DE, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Jason lived with an unmatched tenderness and humor that could be felt in every room he walked into. He touched countless lives with his generous spirit. He faced hardships that many never saw, but his legacy is one of love, compassion and deep devotion to his family and friends.
Born in Newark, DE, on October 10, 1996, he was the beloved son of Scott William Dunkelberger and Jessica Anne (Johnston) Brown. Jay was a proud graduate of St. Georges Technical High School and completed the Delaware Registered Apprenticeship Program, earning his Journeyman Certification as a Heating & Air Conditioning Mechanic. He found great fulfillment in his HVAC career.
Jay was a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan, spending his Sundays cheering on the Birds. A true outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. He was deeply committed to his community, serving with the Odessa Fire Company for ten years and actively participating in his neighborhood HOA. Jay had a gift for friendship—when you met him, you were instantly his “buddy.” He was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. He was a kind, compassionate soul with an unforgettable sense of humor. His laugh was infectious, and Jay could keep everyone laughing with his inappropriate jokes and antics, bringing joy and light to even the darkest days to those around him.
Above all, Jay was a devoted husband, and the world’s best, “Girl Dad”. He loved his daughters, Kinsley and Kennedy with every fiber of his being. He showed them what true love is supposed to look like every day in the way that he cared for them and his wife, Paige. Because of him, they know what unconditional love is. He was also a beloved “Funcle”, a loving son, brother and grandson.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Ashley Brown; father-in-law, Alan Thomas; maternal grandparents, Sandy and Johnny Johnston; and paternal grandfather, William Dunkelberger
Jay is survived by his cherished wife, Paige Taylor Moore; his daughters, Kinsley Jane and Kennedy Layne Dunkelberger; his parents, Jessica & William Brown and Scott & Jennifer Dunkelberger; and his siblings, Casey Dunkelberger (Nicole), Alexa Dunkelberger (Brittany), and Lilly Dunkelberger.
He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Trent Blankenbeckler, Bryden Blankenbeckler, Nicholas Thomas, and Landon Reese; sisters-in-law, Brianna Moore and Brielle Moore; mother- and father-in-law’s, Debbie and Ronnie Blankenbeckler; Billy and Lea Moore; paternal grandparents, Wayne and Sherry Riale; grandparents, Ronald and Maryellen Brown; grandmother, Mary Ellen O’Neill; his many grandparent in-laws and endless number of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE.
A Liturgy of the Word will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE.
Interment will follow in Old Drawyers Cemetery, 2839 Dupont Parkway, Middletown, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the educational fund mailed to the Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union, 700 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947. C/O Kinsley & Kennedy Dunkelberger.
Jackie Sweetman
I’m so sorry for your loss. I did not know Jay. From his obituary, I can tell that he was loved very much.
Susanne Turner
Jay’s smile made him a giant among men, as a small boy I remember that stand out grin. The world is a better place because he was here, grateful his children are his legacy. May the road rise up to meet you, and there be a place at the table for you young lad, God speed.
Linda Allen
Jessica , my heart is breaking for your family Jason was much to young , we never know what God as planned for us. We don’t know the reason why , but God will see you all through it. I’ll be praying for you all to find peace and comfort. If there’s anything Tom and I can do please let us know. With our deepest sympathies. Tom & Linda Allen
Michelle Metcalf
I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything please reach out. love and hugs and prayers for you and your girls
Michael dudlek
So sorry for the famiy he was GREAT young man sending prayers and hugs to family
Robin
I am so very sorry for all of your loss. I loved him and also thought of him. Growing up with my daughters. Sending hugs too all of you.
Karlee
Love you forever Cuz . The life of every family event . 🤟🏼
Joe Foss
I had the pleasure of interviewing and hiring Jason @ Christiana Care. He was an outstanding young man who was always ready to lend a hand whenever and wherever it was needed! You couldn’t help but smile or laugh when he was in your presence, he just had that affect on you! Jason will be dearly missed, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
KIMMIE Ingram
With deepest sympathies on this incredible loss. You are each in all of our thoughts and prayers- May you find joy in reflection of memories , He will always be the brightest light from above watching over you all.
With Love, The Ingram’s
(Chad, Kimmie & Cole)
Jeanne DiAmico
Paige, Kinsley, Kennedy, Jess, Scott, Lex, Casey, Lilly, Bill, Jenn – There are no words to take away the pain and sorrow being felt with Jay’s absence. He truly loved each and every one of you with every breath he took. He will continue to watch over you and bring joy when you least expect it. Look for him in all that you do – he will be with you each and every step of the way!
Love you all! Jeanne, Louie & Nicole
Marianne Sullivan
Sending my deepest condolences to the whole Dunkelberger family. I was so sad to hear this news.
Sandra Kemske
Jason you were the best Grandson, Dad, husband, and an all around great person. I was blessed to have you as a Great son in-law. I Love and Miss you always. MOMMOM
Gina Dudlek
I was heartbroken to hear about Jason’s passing. I still remember the times the boys hung out being boys and being carefree, like it was yesterday. Please know that our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and sending you strength in this incredibly difficult time. Wishing your family comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Tabi Gott
Bill and Jess, my heart is broken for you. Paige and the girls…I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories last a lifetime.
Tre woodard
Going to miss you big time Brudda from football to hvac . Always been the same supportive guy great father. Feeling for your family hard . Rest up big dawg
Jackie Lawler
Sending deepest condolences to Jays family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
Linda
So sorry for the loss of sounded like a terrific person. He left this earth too soon. He will be a angel that will watch over his girls, wife and friends
Alan & Diane Stuckert
Our heart breaks for Jays entire family! He was truly one of a kind! To know him from the time he was a young boy and watch him grow into a Kind generous funny loving man was definitely a privilege! He always gave me the biggest hug and hello everytime I saw him and always managed to make us laugh at every encounter! To know Jay was to Love Jay! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Sending lots of Love.
John & Jolene Outten
What a beautiful obituary and so accurate of Jay’s personality. He will certainly be missed by so many. I’m sorry we won’t be able to attend the visitation as we are out of town. We certainly would most definitely had been there. Sending you all prayers in being able to make peace with this devastating loss.
Lay
Paige,
I’m so so so sorry about this. Im really praying for his family and yours. We love you and thinking of you and the kids. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Caroline Gordon
I remember Jason from St. George’s…he barely knew me, and I him, yet his amazing heart was still evident as he stood up for me against bully’s and showed kindness to me during my time there in high school.
Hearing of his passing hit harder than I expected and I am so incredibly sorry to his beautiful family for their loss. Sending prayers and love during this difficult time.
God bless!
Cipolloni’s
Truly a devastating loss. As a young boy you always were such an amazing friend to all the kinds at school and in the neighborhood and without a doubt a truly positive and upbeat spirit at all times you always had a smile on your face or would crack some kind of joke when I would see you. My greatest memory thus far was seeing you with your two little beautiful girls being a father to them. Your memory will live on forever in all the lives you touched and may all our amazing of you bring us all peace. We will miss you Jason, you’ll be our neighbor forever …rest in peace.
Kaitlin L
Condolences to his family. 🕊️🕊️
Courtney Prate
I used to bartend at Pat’s MVP with Troy, one of Jay’s good friends. Paige and Jay would sit at the bar and it felt like they always had the best time doing practically nothing – just sitting and laughing and enjoying their time together. It was like they had known each other in several lifetimes. Paige, my deepest condolences. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
Michael Akin
My deepest sympathies to the entire Dunckelburger family. Jay will be greatly missed and his friendship, treasured.
Debbie Smith
I’m sorry for your loss Alexa. I did not know your brother but I know brothers are special. My heart goes out to you and your family. Love Debbie & Butch
Sue Aichinger
Prayers and healing thoughts for your family
Patti Truitt
To Family and Friends, so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to everyone. Hartly Volunteer Fire Company, Officers, Members and Ladies Auxiliary.
William Stone
Dear Dunkelberger & Brown families. Sincere condolences in the loss of your Husband,son, dad & “funcle”. I’m praying to God for help in this time of grief. I only knew Jay in brief, but reading all about him in the obit he will truly be missed. Great family to take up the mantle. Again, may God truly help & bless you.
Bill Stone -OFC 24 chaplain
Nancy Sinex
So sorry for your loss. Jay was a great person and loved being in his presence. Will be missed by all. His daughters will miss his presence, bless them both.
Dylan Woomer
Going to be missed big time brother. I remember growing up and always seeing you around and always had a big smile on your face making the most out of life, Moments I won’t forget.
Kerry Haney
I do not know Jay or his family, but my husband works with Billy Moore. I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of Jay. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your entire family during this deeply difficult time.
Losing someone so young and loved—especially a husband and father—is a profound tragedy. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow his wife and children are feeling, and I hope they are surrounded by comfort and support in the days ahead.
Wishing you all strength, peace, and healing. ❤️🩹
With deep sympathy,
Kerry and Chris Haney
Ene Belleh
It’s hard to find the right words after such a sudden and tragic loss. Jason was a bright light in our community, and he will be deeply missed. Rest easy, Jason. May your memory always be a blessing.
Tabe Mase
To the Family of Jason,
On behalf of Caregiver Health Services at Christiana Care, please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Jason — a cherished father, husband, son, brother, grandson, and a treasured member of a loving extended family.
Though our time with Jason was brief, it was truly meaningful. He left a lasting impression on all of us with his warmth and presence. He was a remarkable young man, and it was an honor to have known him.
With sympathy and compassion,
The Caregiver Health Services Team at Christiana Care
Pat (Crabby's)
I offer my sincere thoughts and prayers. Blessings for peace for family and friends.+++
Mrs.I
I am so sorry for your loss. He truly was an amazing person with a great sense of humor.
Bob and Diana Blackerby
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jason. We never met him but we heard so many good things about him. May God comfort you and your children in this hour of bereavement.
Marie Poore
To the entire Dunkelberger family my condolences.my prayers are with you.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Patricia Duphily
My deepest sympathy to this young mans family. I did not know him, but I read the obituary post and saw the video. The love that poured from him from just the pictures says so much about him. RIP and thank you for your service💙
Katherine
Our community is like a family in my eyes and I send a heartfelt condolence. I am so sorry for your loss and grief. This beautiful video reflects deep love, devotion, and a true family man. You are in my prayers and may God continue to bless and guide you.
Michelle Fournier
Scott,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Jay. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Susan Burris & John Lee
Sending deepest condolences to Jay’s family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss, sending prayers and hugs to family.
Marva Williams
Jenn and Scott, my deepest sympathy for such a profound loss. You and your family will carry him in every beat of your heart. ♥️🙏🏽
Dyanne Westerberg
Dear Paige,
My heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss. We do not know why God allowed this to happen. Cast your anxiety unto the Lord, for he is near the brokenhearted. At this terrible time, rest on his words and goodness.