The city of Ellsworth, Maine, and the broader New England aviation community are joined in a state of “deep sadness” following the passing of George Dunn on April 30, 2026. A man whose life was defined by mechanical brilliance and a profound love for the skies, George was a respected U.S. Air Force veteran and a pioneering figure in regional flight. His departure marks the end of an era for Hancock County, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the very culture of Maine’s seaplane community.
Born and raised in Ellsworth, George was celebrated for his uncanny ability to “fix nearly anything.” This innate talent led him to serve as an engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, where he maintained the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, one of the most complex aircraft ever built. Upon returning to civilian life, he transitioned his skills to his true passion: general aviation. He became a fixture on Beech Hill Pond, where his 1941 Taylorcraft seaplane became a symbol of his dedication to introducing others to the joy of flight.
George’s influence was perhaps most visible through the “Flying Dunns.” He successfully passed his passion down to his children, teaching four of his six kids to fly floats. His presence was a staple at the Greenville Seaplane Fly-In since 1975, where his early victory in the Bomb Drop Contest became local lore. In recognition of his impeccable safety record and over five decades of dedication, he was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2014.
As the community reflects on the life of George Dunn, they remember a man of steady character and infectious enthusiasm. He is being honored with heartfelt respect by a community of pilots and veterans who stand in solidarity with the Dunn family. George will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a master of the skies. May he rest in eternal peace.
