Linwood A. Dunkum

On Sunday July 21, 2024, Linwood Alton Dunkum (Al, Dad, Papa) of West Bridgewater, passed away in the loving care of his family after a long and well-lived life. He was 93.

Al was born in the small town of Dillwyn, Virginia. His mother Nannie Lee Dunkum and father Claude Linwood Dunkum raised both Al and his sister Gladys (Dunkum) Thomas on their humble family farm. Al fondly recalled how his family sold a pig to purchase his 1949 Buckingham County High School graduation ring. Al was no stranger to hard work. After graduation he began working as a machine operator in an area factory for the Reynolds Metal Company in Richmond VA where he maintained machines that spooled Reynolds Wrap. In 1952 Al enlisted in the U.S. Army. He traveled in an airplane for the very first time and was eventually stationed at Fort Devens, MA where he served three years in Army Security as a Wheel Mechanic, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant. While serving in the Army Al met, fell in love with, and after his honorable discharge married Janet Lucille (D’Ambrosia) Dunkum. Al and Janet eventually settled in South Weymouth, MA where they raised their six children.

Al was a quiet gentleman who never forgot his southern roots. He cherished his family. He worked for decades as a foreman in commercial construction. However, his greatest joy was achieved when he took on projects for his family. Regardless, if he was renovating their Main Street home for the greater comfort of his family, or he was building race car beds for his many grandchildren, Al found joy using his own hands to change simple wood into lasting memories for those he loved. Al never forgot his farming roots either. It did not matter if it was his lawn, the bounty provided by his annual garden, the flowers he nourished around the house, or the trees he nurtured in the yard, Al took pride in his gardening skills and was happy to offer support to others if asked. Al also always loved the freedom and solitude of riding his motorcycle on short and long trips into his 80’s.

Al Was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sister. He is survived by his six children (Linda Raulinaitis, Laura Dunkum, Loretta Dunkum, Lisa Nocera, Linwood (Woody) Dunkum II, & Lucille (Lucy) Bousquet), eight grandchildren (James, Jeremy, Angela, Nicole, Mathew, Steven, Andrew, and Daniel), and seven great grandchildren (James, Bentley, Landon, Mason, Nolan, Sienna and Claire) and “in-loves” Colleen (Loretta), Chico (Lisa), Karen (Woody), and Bob (Lucy). 

A graveside service for the family is scheduled on Monday July 29th at Saint Francis Cemetery in Weymouth. 

In Lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice.