On August 12, 2026, The Rev. William Melbourne (Father Bill) Dunning passed away peacefully in Towson, MD. He was the devoted son of the late Elmer C. and Marion V. (nee Freeman) Dunning; beloved husband of 60 years to the late Margaret Searing Dunning; dear brother of the late Nancy C. Brosnihan; and the dear uncle of Paula Lehner (James), Cheryl Park (Walter) and John William Brosnihan (Karen).

Father Bill earned his diploma from All Saints Church School in Worcester, MA in 1955 and, in 1959, graduated from Boston University. He graduated from seminary in 1962 and, upon completion of his studies, was ordained an Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Newark. Over a more than 60-year career Father Bill also served in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.  Churches served by Father Bill in Maryland included St. Michael and All Angels, St. Mark's on-the-Hill Pikesville, St. Thomas Towson, and Church of the Holy Comforter Lutherville.  He also served as chaplain to retired clergy from 2006 -2020.  Father Bill was indeed a 'good and faithful servant' who will be truly missed by the countless friends he leaves behind.

Father Bill will lie-in-state at Sherwood Episcopal Church, 5 Sherwood Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030 on Saturday, August 22nd from 9:30-10:30 AM.  A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 AM followed by interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Bill's name may be made to Sherwood Episcopal Church or to Boston University College of Arts and Sciences.