Benjamin John "Ben" Dunn, aged 84, passed away peacefully at home, on June 18th, 2026, in Aptos, California. Ben was born in Brooklyn, New York to Albert and Jane Dunn on October 14, 1941.

Ben attended schools in Baldwin, Long Island. Following his high school graduation in 1959, he joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. Ben came to California in 1963 and settled in Santa Cruz where he met and married his beloved wife, Jan.

Ben attended Cabrillo College and UCSC, graduating in 1973 with a major in Chinese History. In 1978, he began a career in real estate, eventually joining Vanguard Realtors where he was a co-owner. Ben was licensed in both California and Hawaii.

His interests included running/biking at UCSC and Nicene Marks, camping and hiking in the Sierras, playing beach volleyball at Cowell's and Main Beaches, swimming in the ocean (only in Hawaii) and traveling with Jan to such places as Taiwan, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Hawaii (every winter for 20 years), and many European countries on various river cruises!

Ben was a thoughtful, kind, caring man who was also a loyal friend to his longtime buddies and colleagues. He never lost his great sense of humor even during his recent health decline.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Jan, of 61 years; his sister Susan Casteleneto and her husband, Frank of San Diego; his additional family, Paul, Lori, Chace, and Violet Janney; Danny Schultz and his fiancée, Molly; his ‘sister-in-law' Terri Richards, and his 'cousin' Nancy Thomas. Ben was loved and will be deeply missed!

He will be interred at Oakwood Memorial Park, and a Celebration of Life is planned in August. The family wishes to thank his many caregivers for their support, care AND love during the past seven months: Emma, Vanessa, Chelsea, Diana, Adrianna, Luz, Paulina, Karina, Yvonne, Rosario, Lally, and Anthony.

Donations in Ben's memory may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 OR American Indian College Fund (a tribute gift in his name), 8333 Greenwood Blvd. Denver, CO 80221 if you want to send a check OR go to the website at collegefund.org and donate online.