Rob Dunkel, 52

Rob Dunkel passed away on September 18, 2024 after an eight month battle with cancer.  Rob lived a lot of life in his 52 years, filled with family and friends, love and laughter, and Gator football.  

Rob loved his wife Maresa to distraction, forever talking about his “beautiful wife”. He loved, and was so proud of, his children Jared and Morgan. His family was his greatest joy along with his beloved Boxer, Mac.

Rob made friends everywhere he went, thrived in any group of people, and was absolutely the life of the party. He was genuine, outrageous, hilarious, kind, and always willing to help. He loved his daily calls with his dad. He was the king of tailgating and road trip planning, a rockstar water skier and lobster catcher, a sharp dresser, an incomparable host, and the best slinger of one liners.  

Rob, affectionately known as “Gator Rob”, was a lifelong, avid Gator fan. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1995.  He was so excited when Jared and Morgan followed in his and Maresa’s footsteps to UF to continue the Gainesville legacy. To celebrate Rob’s life in the place he loved so much, his family invites all who knew and loved him to join them for an open house on Saturday, October 26, 2024, 1-5pm, Bull Gator Deck in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611. Specific details forthcoming.    

Rob is preceded in death by his father, Bob Dunkel. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Maresa; son, Jared Dunkel (Lauren); daughter, Morgan Dunkel; mother, Polly Dunkel; sister, Kim Healy (Todd); and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, Maresa, Jared, and Morgan, together with the Clay County Gator Club, have created the Rob Dunkel Memorial Scholarship Fund to support future Gators for years to come. See the link below to make a donation and click “more details” on the scholarship page to read the touching tribute from the Clay County Gator Club.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/5aff67de-055f-4c4c-926b-a98c6bf85ba8