BOMBER MEMORIAL
PAUL FRANCIS XAVIER DUNIGAN JR. ~ Class of 1966
June 22, 1948 - January 9, 2025
Paul Francis Xavier Dunigan Jr. was born to Paul Francis Xavier Dunigan Sr. and Eva Reckley Dunigan in Richland during a rare desert flood on June 22, 1948. He passed away at the age of 76 in Richland on January 9, 2025.
He attended Christ the King School, Chief Jo Junior High School and graduated from Richland's Columbia High School with the Class of 1966. He double majored in chemistry and biology at Gonzaga University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1970, before achieving a Master of Science degree in environmental science from Washington State University in 1972. After completing his studies, Paul began working for the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission/Department of Energy. He was a retired environmental compliance officer for the Department of Energy. During his 35-year career, he contributed to several programs, including the creation of the Hanford Reach National Monument.
He married Beth Henricks in April 1978, and they had two daughters. He enjoyed being an active member of his community. He was an Eagle Scout and in ROTC as a young man. He was a member of the Parish Council and Chancellor’s Club at Christ the King Church. An avid train and airplane fan, he volunteered at local air shows for several years, attended train shows across the country and enjoyed visiting aviation museums with his family.
Paul is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Katie, her husband Daniel, and four grandchildren; daughter, Theresa; and cousins, John DiNapoli II and Dorothea Baernthaler.
Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m. on February 1, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland with a small celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Christ the King School or Gonzaga University.
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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).