Peter J. Dunning

Peter J. Dunning Sr., 91, of Saunderstown passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2016. He was the husband of the late Jacqueline G. (Sylvia) Dunning.Born in Grays, Essex, England, on October 10, 1924, he was the son of the late John James and Constance (Sutherden) Dunning.Mr. Dunning served honorably in the Royal Air Force from 1942 to 1948 and came to reside permanently in the U.S. in 1948. He began his career in Newport as General Manager for the Douglas Olds-Cadillac dealership where he was employed for several years. Having a rich family history in seagoing occupations, when the opportunity to become a part-owner and managing partner of the Port O'Call Marina in Newport arose, he found his true niche in the maritime world. He relished this role from 1960 to 1975. During the early 1960s, Port O'Call was host to not only some of the America's Cup 12 meter yachts but a multitude of world renowned single-handed sailors including the likes of Sir Francis Chichester, Eric Taberly, and Sir Alex Rose. After selling the marina, he continued his support for the marine community as manager of the Goat Island Marina, a position many referred to as the "Goatmaster of Dock Island", from 1975 until his retirement in 1986. He was a friend, advisor and renderer of assistance to a multitude of sailors and ship captains from all over the world. He was involved with the OSTAR Race and the Bermuda 1-2 Race for several years, as well as serving as race operations and communications manager for Around Alone, the round-the-world single-handed race. Upon his retirement from Goat Island Marina, he traveled worldwide in support of many races. He was commended on numerous occasions for his assistance in the rescue of sailors in distress. He enjoyed many years of boating on his beloved "King Tut", with one of his favorite times being the brilliant fireworks displays visible from Newport Harbor. He was well-known and well-respected for his calm demeanor and dry sense of humor. He was also an avid dog lover, and was rarely seen without one of a series of dogs, most of whom were named "Ed" or "Lucky", by his side.Peter is survived by his children: Joanne C. Spero and her husband Colin of Fall River, MA, Peter J. Dunning Jr. and his wife Mary of Newport, and Jean E. Beveridge and her husband Steven of Saunderstown, RI. He also leaves his grandchildren: Hope Crain and her husband Scott of Portsmouth, David Krugman of Newport, Major Douglas P. Krugman, USMC, and his wife Megan of Montclair, VA, Peter J. Dunning III of Auckland, New Zealand (formerly of Newport), and Kelly Beveridge of Port Orange, FL, as well as three great-grandchildren.He was the brother of the late Joan Martin and her husband George Martin.Funeral Services will be private.