Gerard "Jerry" Dunbar, 73, of Billerica, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side in the comfort of his home on Saturday, August 1.

Born in Boston, Jerry was the beloved son of the late William and Marie (Yandel) Dunbar. He was raised in Charlestown, where he attended local schools and graduated from high school.

Gifted with an uncanny ability to fix just about anything, Jerry was always happiest working with his hands. His natural mechanical talent led him to a career in maintenance and repair, where his dependability, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of everyone around him. While working as an on-site maintenance technician at Lord Baron Estates in Burlington, a routine repair call would forever change the course of his life. It was there that he met Patricia Currier. The two quickly formed a special connection, beginning a relationship that would span a decade before they were married. After ten wonderful years together, they exchanged vows and, in 1998, settled in Billerica, where they built a loving home and welcomed their children.

When he wasn’t working or helping a family member, friend, or neighbor with a repair project, Jerry could almost always be found on the golf course. Golf was far more than a hobby; it was his passion. Whether he was enjoying his weekly rounds with his friends in the “Liars Golf League” at Hillview Golf Course, heading off each fall for the annual four-day “Donkey” golf trip with his buddies, or making his much anticipated trips to Myrtle Beach, Jerry loved every challenge the game presented. During the long New England winters, he would already be looking ahead to spring, eager for the next opportunity to stand over a ball on the fairway and line up the perfect approach shot to the green at Hillview.

Away from the golf course, Jerry found peace and happiness at the family’s cottage on Ossipee Lake in Ossipee, New Hampshire. It was where some of his happiest memories were made, spending time with his family, relaxing by the water, and teaching his children to fish when they were young. Those days at the lake became some of the family’s most treasured memories together. Outside of family vacations, Jerry also enjoyed fishing trips with his brother and spending time on the golf course with his friends or simply heading to the driving range to hit a bucket of balls. No matter where he was, he appreciated the simple moments and the company of the people he loved.

Jerry will be remembered not only for his remarkable generosity, but for his strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed a repair, advice, or simply another set of hands, Jerry was always there, never expecting anything in return. Even during life’s most difficult challenges, he faced each day with quiet courage and chose to focus on the good around him. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. A day on the golf course, casting a fishing line, time at the lake, or sharing a laugh with family and friends. His kindness, humility, and ability to find beauty in everyday moments left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A devoted Boston sports fan through and through, Jerry proudly stood by his hometown teams through every high and low. He celebrated the Red Sox finally breaking the Curse of the Bambino, cheered the Bruins to their Stanley Cup championship, and reveled in the Patriots’ remarkable dynasty. Beyond Boston sports, Jerry also loved watching professional golf tournaments, following the game with the same enthusiasm he brought to playing it himself. What truly defined his fandom was his loyalty. He wasn’t a fair-weather fan; he remained steadfast through the rebuilding years, always believing that better days were ahead.

Above everything else, Jerry’s greatest accomplishment and greatest source of pride was his family. Being a husband, father, and grandfather wasn’t just a role to him, it was the center of his world. He never cared about fancy things or perfection. He cared about making memories, sharing laughs, lending a hand, and making sure the people he loved knew they were loved. Becoming a grandfather to Hunter was one of his greatest joys. He took so much pride in his grandson and cherished every moment they spent together, creating memories that Hunter will carry with him forever. Whether he was teaching his kids or goddaughter to fish and golf, cheering on a Boston team, sitting around a campfire, spending time with Hunter, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, those ordinary moments became extraordinary because he was there. His love was steady, unconditional, and will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In addition to his parents, William and Marie Dunbar, Jerry was predeceased by his father-in-law, Walter Currier Sr.; his sister-in-law, Terry Currier Cordeiro; and his brother-in-law, Victor McNary.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Patricia (Currier) Dunbar of Billerica, three adoring children, Jason Currier, Jerry Dunbar Jr., and Terry Dunbar and her fiancé, Josh Bouely, all of Billerica; his cherished grandson, Hunter Spear of Pepperell; Brianna Disciscio and JJ Goudey, whom he loved like his own. His siblings, Judy McNary of Methuen, William Dunbar Jr. and his wife Joann of Billerica, and Mary Ellen Russell and her husband John of Georgetown, his mother-in-law, Lucille Currier of Burlington, brothers and sisters in law, Bob Currier and his wife Lisa of North Reading, Walter Currier Jr. and his wife Sheri of Burlington, Joe Currier and his wife Kristin of Burlington, Brenda Currier and her husband Brian of Woburn and Dina Currier-Beaven and her husband Matt of Beverly, MA as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Wednesday, August 5 from 4pm to 7pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. His funeral home service will follow the visitation at 7pm. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-new-england