Obituary of Arlington Wade Dunkle

Smethport - Arlington Wade Dunkle, 96, of Smethport, passed away Friday (March 2, 2018) in the Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford. He was born March 2, 1922 in Clermont, a son of Roy Arthur and Beatrice Fay Church Dunkle. On April 27, 1946, in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Rectory, Smethport, he married Veronica Teresa Ukasinski, who died May 18, 1989. Mr. Dunkle graduated from Colegrove High School. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945, where he was part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He fought in Northern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. Mr. Dunkle was a truck driver for many different companies over the years, retiring from Dresser Clarke/Rand. After retirement, he worked for the former Market Basket in Smethport as a janitor. He also helped mow lawns in the community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Smethport, the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport, where he was a Past Commander, VFW Post #2497 of Smethport and the Elderberries Club at the Smethport Senior Center. He was a former member of the Smethport Ambulance Association, helped deliver Meals-on-Wheels, was a Red Cross Volunteer, a two-time McKean County Fair King, loved dancing, reading and Drive-In movies. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather. He is survived by: one daughter: Deborah G. Dunkle of Emporium, PA one son: Arlington Randle Dunkle of Smethport, PA three sisters: Vesta June Dunkle Smith of Renovo, PA, Minnie Fay Dunkle Herzog of Roulette, PA and Ruby Marlene Dunkle Burt of Smethport, PA, one brother: Wilbur Vincent Dunkle of Smethport, PA two granddaughters: Rande Phoebe Dunkle and Suzanne Theresa Dunkle. And many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Keith Eugene, Kenneth LeRoy, Roland Dale, Roy LaVerne and Arthur James Dunkle. He was also predeceased by two sisters: Violet May Kelley and Irene Elizabeth Dunkle. Arlington chose to donate his body to science. A memorial service in his remembrance will be held Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 am from the United Methodist Church of Smethport, with the Rev. Rob Hernan, pastor, officiating. Arlington's family requests prayers are said for him. They gratefully decline all flowers or food items that may be sent to them. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the United Methodist Church of Smethport, 607 King St., Smethport, PA 16749; American Legion; Bucktail Post #138, 417 W. Main St., Smethport, PA 16749; VFW Post #2497, 608 E. Water St., Smethport, PA 16749; Elderberries Club, Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport, PA 16749 or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport. World War II Vet, where he was part of the D-Day invasion on Normandy. He fought in Northern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. He was a former member of the Smethport Ambulance Association, helped deliver Meals-on-Wheels, was a Red Cross Volunteer, was a two-time McKean County Fair King, Loved dancing, reading and Drive-In movies.