1955
2025
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
Joan Cannon
January 29, 2026
Words are so inadequate. I'm so very sorry for your loss, and will always hold Diane in my heart.
Toots
January 28, 2026
I worked with Di at the Prosecutor’s Office. Vacationed with her and her super nice friends one summer on Long Beach Island, remember her green convertible mustang, when she met her future husband in Plainsboro, attending her wedding, and sitting around the dining table at her home in Ewing the 1980s while our very young kids played together. A very sweet and a very wise woman. So glad we got a chance to catch up a year ago.
jim Giamarese
January 2, 2026
Very sorry to hear of Diane's passing. Good memories growing up in East Brunswick and talking with her at all of the class of 73 reunions.













December 13, 2025
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Lynn Locastro
December 13, 2025
Deenir Grattan Eisler
December 12, 2025
You moved down the street at the beginning of junior high and we became fast friends. We were at each other's houses daily, you became a part of my family and I yours. I am grateful for our friendship that has lasted through all life's trials, tribulations and triumphs. I love you Diane and I will miss you deeply.
Deenie Grattan Eisler
December 12, 2025
You moved down the street at the beginning of junior high and we became fast friends. We were at each other's houses daily, you became a part of my family and I yours. I am so grateful for our friendship and can't imagine growing up without you being there throughout our trials, tribulations and triumphs. I love you Diane and will miss you deeply.

2003
Lynn Locastro
December 12, 2025
Family holiday 2003




Donna Farver
December 12, 2025
Our dancing queen and the sister I never had. From cruising in the mustang to crazy times in Plainsboro. From helping pick out my wedding dress ( with approval from 3 yr old Randy) to decades later helping pick out the dress for my son’s wedding. My bff. You were always there for me. You are forever etched in my life. I will miss you beyond what words can express. I love you Di.

Our High School reunion
Susana Gimson
December 11, 2025
I first met Diane in middle school in science class. She was smart, pretty and teacher's pet. Everyone loved her. She was open, kind and generous. We reconnected at our high school reunions and later on girl's trips. Her positive spirit and courage always shone through, and it was always a pleasure spending time with her. I will never forget her. Sending prayers to her family and loved ones.

Remembering the fun and friendship. with heartfelt sympathy
Lissa Navarro
December 11, 2025
David Grattan
December 11, 2025
Diane was absolutely a wonderful woman. Always positive, generous, understanding, kind, supportive and full of Life. The World has lost a special human being. I pray for her and her extended family in this most difficult time. God bless you all.
De David Grattan. PhD
Childhood friend and neighbor

Remembering the fun. I´m so sorry.
Lissa Navarro
December 11, 2025
Remembering the fun. With heartfelt sympathy. Lissa Navarro

Virginia Beaxh 2017
Rose Ryan
December 11, 2025
So many great memories!
Karla Marroquin
December 11, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Our first girls trip. Elijah, GA
Rose Ryan
December 11, 2025
We will miss and remember you always.
MaryEllen DeTeresa
December 11, 2025
Rest easy, sweet one
Nancy Grattan Parisi
December 11, 2025
Diane was a wonderful and caring neighbor and friend. We used to dance to a band called Fat Chance at Charlie’s Uncle in East Brunswick in the late 1970’s. She was always a positive person. She loved to laugh. I and my family (Grattan) will miss her. God Bless her and her family. Love Nancy Grattan Parisi

Rose Ryan
December 11, 2025
Tulip Day 2025

<br />Tulip Day 2025
Rose Ryan
December 11, 2025
Tulip Day 2025
Will miss her forever ❤


Last besties trip
Valerie Vaganek
December 11, 2025
Our last trip together on this earth. We will miss you.
Valerie Vaganek
December 11, 2025
I will miss your jovial laugh and quick wit, your kindness and your warmth as well as your presence in my life. So enjoyed your company on our many #EBbesties trips together! Rest eternally dear friend.


MaryEllen DeTeresa
December 11, 2025
Simply the best

Our last girls trip with our beloved friend
Elke Peck
December 11, 2025
We’re so glad Diane was able to come on the EB Besties trip with us. We love you & will miss you dearly! ♥
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Funeral services provided by:
Peppler Funeral Home - Bordentown122 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown, NJ 08505