Diane Gunkel (née) Lo Castro, just shy of her 70th birthday, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at her home with her husband by her side.  Born in New Brunswick, NJ, she attended Villanova University post-graduation from East Brunswick High School.  She worked for the prosecutor's office in New Brunswick for several years. After raising her 2 sons (her primary focus), she worked in a dental office for many years, retiring 3 yrs ago.  She attended Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing and spent many years volunteering. Diane had a big personality, great sense of humor and was sharp as a whip.  Besides enjoying spending time with her family, she enjoyed annual girl's trips with her high school friends.   She also enjoyed her monthly dinners and craft nights with her group of friends from Ewing. Diane loved to cook and host large family holiday dinners. She also loved to dance, especially to Motown tunes.  She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her parents Richard and June Lo Castro, her beloved husband of 46 years Frank K. Gunkel, her sons: Randall Scott Gunkel, wife Peg of Mt. Laurel, Adam K. Gunkel of Xenia, OH, and her stepdaughter Jennifer Marie Gunkel of Columbia, MD. Her sisters: Andrea Greenspan, husband Brian of Plainfield, NJ., Karen Noa, husband Gary of Galloway, NJ, Lynn Lo Castro of Abilene, TX, and sister-in-law Gretchen Lewis, husband Peter, of Skillman, NJ.  Three grandchildren: Callum and Cole Gunkel, Cassandra Marks, and a great grandchild Mateo. She is also survived by many loving nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.

A gathering to celebrate Diane will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home 122 Crosswicks St. Bordentown, NJ. 08505

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Diane's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org