Connor Francis Dunckley

Connor F. Dunckley, 23, died unexpectedly on January 28, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was born on September 7, 1999 in Nashville, TN, the son of Kevin and Kelly (Neighbor) Dunckley of Whiting, NJ.

Connor graduated from Manchester Township High School, Class of 2017. Following graduation, he attended Keiser University in West Palm Beach, FL, where he studied Criminal Justice, but found his calling working in the hospitality industry. In 2021, Connor became employed by Rapids Water Park, West Palm Beach, FL, and was recently promoted to Cabana/Bar Manager after implementing many new ideas that increased 2022 sales by 50%. Connor was a people person who loved working behind the bar and making new friends.

Connor worked part-time at several WPB bars, restaurants and clubs, including Cucina Cabana. He loved working in the fun upscale WPB night life. Connor seemed to know everyone and was loved by all, his friends, co-workers and patrons. He was described by his WPB friends as someone who was fun-loving with a generous heart and in some way or another helped to make their lives better. “He lit up a room just by entering it.”

Connor was proud of the life he made for himself in the WPB area, proud that his 401k started this year, proud that he purchased his black Mustang convertible on his own and he loved his Pitbull mix Bailey. Connor was living his best life in Florida; having too much fun while working hard to save for his own house and someday his own bar.

Since childhood, Connor had a passion for creating elaborate outdoor displays for Halloween and Christmas. His “Silent Stone Manor” Halloween display and Christmas light display were missed by his Whiting neighbors when he moved to WPB, but he continued his passion in his WPB neighborhood with even bigger and more animated displays. As a toddler, Connor was obsessed with the American Flag and had a small flag in his hand at all times.

In his free time, Connor enjoyed creating art. His senior year at MTHS, he created a mural that is still displayed in the Art Room. Connor lettered in swimming, was a junior lifeguard in Long Beach Island, NJ, a Cub Scout in Pack 44, Manchester, NJ, and a Boy Scout in Troop 350, Whiting, NJ. Connor was an exceptional swimmer. He loved swimming in the bay or the ocean and during high school enjoyed working as a lifeguard for Manchester Recreation, America’s Keswick and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. In the Fall, he enjoyed working as a zombie at Six Flags’ Fright Fest and the Citta Scout Reservation Operation Halloween.

Connor graduated from All Saints Catholic Elementary School in Manahawkin, NJ, and was an Alter Server at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting, NJ.

Connor is predeceased by his grandfather, Kenneth F. Dunckley of Manalapan, NJ, and his grandfather, William J. Neighbor of Manchester, NJ, who passed away on February 11, 2023 of a broken heart.

He is survived by his heartbroken parents, his sister, Rory Dunckley (MTHS Class of 2020) and his brother, Ryan Dunckley (MTHS Class of 2025), of Whiting, NJ; his grandmother, Mary (Hennelly) Dunckley of Manalapan, NJ; his grandmother Annette (Whelan) Neighbor of Manchester, NJ; He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Catherine LiCalsi of Wall, NJ, James and Carolyn Dunckley of Normandy Beach, NJ, and Kristine and Michael DeMatteo of Manalapan, NJ; his cousins, Kieran Licalsi, Kathleen (Dunckley) Arcomano, Tara Dunckley, Shannon Dunckley, Amanda DeMatteo and Jack DeMatteo; his aunt, Estelle Strully, Philadelphia, PA; the Dunckley family, the Hennelly family, the Whelan Clan and his extended Whiting/Manchester/WPB family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at 10:45 am on Monday, February 20th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 30 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in Connor’s memory to the “MTHS Booster Club”, American Flag Campaign, Manchester Township High School, 101 Hawks Way, Manchester, NJ 08759.