Steve Dunning

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Arthur Stephen “Steve” Dunning, who passed away at the age of 81 on October 4, 2025 after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS).

Born in Wilmington, DE in November 1943, Steve was the son of the late Edward A. and Mary (Desmond) Dunning.  Steve is survived by his loving partner for life, Rosemary (Wencl) Dunning.  Steve and Rosemary celebrated their 60th anniversary this last August.   Steve is also survived by his very special and loving children, daughter Karyn & husband David Stockar of Avondale, PA and son Steve & wife Carrie (Anderson) of Chesterfield, MO, along with seven precious & amazing grandkids: Kameryn Stockar, Brennan Stockar, Ryan Stockar, Kira Stockar, Stephen Dunning, Drew Dunning and Grace Dunning.  High on the list of the many joys in Steve’s life was cheering (usually loudly) at his grandkids’ competitions in soccer, baseball, basketball, football, equestrian and dance.  The highlights of any month were the sleepovers with grandkids.

Outside of family, Steve’s passions were golf, sports, telling jokes, and debating politics (maybe the same thing).

Steve graduated from Archmere Academy in 1961.  He received a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the University of Oklahoma in 1967 and an MBA from Washington University in St Louis in 1999.  Following brief stints with the Department of Defense, DuPont and First Pennsylvania Bank, Steve joined Container Corporation of America – later merged into Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation – in 1973.  Steve’s 37-year career with Smurfit included stops in Wilmington, Valley Forge, Chicago (twice) and St Louis.  Steve’s responsibilities with Smurfit included marketing, strategic planning and M&A.  Following retirement in 2010, Steve and Rosemary moved to Landenberg, PA.

Steve was predeceased by his brothers Mike (Clare) and Richard (Marilyn).  He is survived by sister Jane (Gene Castellano) and brothers Joseph (Ellen), John (Dianne), Jim (Farzin), Robert (Christine) and Ed (Maureen) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team at Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants for their exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism throughout Steve’s (a.k.a. Arthur’s) illness. Their expertise and kindness provided both comfort and hope during difficult times. The family also extends sincere appreciation to the American Cancer Society and its wonderful volunteers who generously gave their time to provide transportation to medical appointments. Your support and selfless service made an immeasurable difference and will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, October 17th, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be private.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the MDS Foundation (https://www.mds-foundation.org/) and/or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) in Steve’s name.

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