'Charles' Ray Dunn

'Charles' Ray Dunn, Ret. Col. USAF, age 74

Wynantskill - 'Charles' Ray Dunn, Ret. Col. USAF, age 74, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend died on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 after a heroic battle with cancer.

Born in Northumberland, England, he was the son of the late George and Ellen Lavin Dunn.

In England and Scotland he graduated from grammar school with honors. He immigrated to the United States as a young teen and won a scholarship to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School where he also graduated with honors. After studying engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, he joined the Air Force, became a jet pilot, helicopter pilot, and graduated from Navy Test Pilot School. He earned a BA in Electrical Engineering and MBA from USC. He served two tours in Vietnam as a rescue pilot with the Jolly Green Giants maintaining a life-long friendship with his fellow servicemen. He was a crew member of the first non-stop flight of a helicopter across the Atlantic Ocean. He retired a decorated soldier from the USAF after 28 years. Some notable aircraft flown: UH-1/TH;T-33;HH-443B/F; HH-53; C-130B;HC-130;DC-130; CH-3; UH-IN, T-29. He then worked at Boeing for 15 years as Manager of Flight Test Operations and Chief Test Pilot for the V-22. Up until his death, he was a certified flight instructor and proud member of Condair Flying Club, Quiet Birdmen, and The Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Distinguished awards include: 2 Silver Stars; 2 Legions of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal.

Survivors include: wife, Ellen Kruczlnicki Dunn of Wynantskill; daughter, Lynley Schroering of Louisville, Ky; daughter, Megan Cox of Bradenton, FL; Michael Patrick Dunn of Philadelphia and five grandchildren: Carley, Emily, Madelyn, Jeremiah, and Afton. He is also survived by two brothers: George and Kevin Dunn.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Tuesday from 4-7 PM.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Church Wynantskill where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Charles Ray Dunn to the Lymphoma Research Foundation National Headquarters 115 Broadway, Suite 1301 New York, NY 10006.

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