When you worked for Edward Dunlap Jr., you were more than just an employee. "You were part of his family. You were loved, respected and held accountable for your actions,” said John Godwin, executive vice president of CentiMark Corp., of which Dunlap was founder and chairman. "You were part of a tight-knit group. "Your accomplishments were celebrated, even overcelebrated, because Ed Dunlap was both proud and thankful for all the people he worked with,” Godwin said. Dunlap died July 23 at his Upper St. Clair home following a long illness. He was 83. A native of Painesville, Ohio, and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Dunlap was known in Western Pennsylvania as an entrepreneur, restaurateur, philanthropist and family man. From modest beginnings, he grew an empire of more than 75 businesses that includes Canonsburg-based CentiMark, a billion-dollar corporation and the largest commercial roofing and flooring company in North America; along with NPI, a leading manufacturer of private-label epoxy floor coatings, concrete repair, epoxy mortars and roof coatings, located in Speers, Washington County. His first business venture was a janitorial supply business that he started in 1968 in the basement of his home. With one associate and a $1,000 stake, he later founded the business that became CentiMark. Dunlap and his wife, Anna, have owned LeMont Restaurant on Mt. Washington since 1999. Being a good judge of people factored into Dunlap’s success, said his son, Tim Dunlap, CentiMark president and COO. "My dad taught me many valuable lessons,” he said. "This one is very important to me: Surround yourself with the right people. It’s so important to work with people who will help you achieve your goals, support your beliefs and are the kind of people that you want to be.” He also brought out the best in those people, Godwin said. "He had an uncanny ability to make you feel like you could accomplish anything. He was motivating, inspirational and always looking for new and creative approaches to business,” Godwin said. "His philosophy was to reach for the moon and, even if you fell short, you would still be a star.” Dunlap truly cared about people and meeting their needs, said Kathy Slencak, public relations manager for CentiMark Corp., CentiMark Foundation and LeMont Restaurant. The CentiMark motto is, "While commercial roofing and flooring is our business, giving back to the community is our commitment,” she said. CentiMark associates volunteer with Junior Achievement and Meals on Wheels. The company also raises funds for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and annually donates backpacks and school supplies to children in need. "One Sunday night six years ago, I received a phone call at home around 9 p.m. from Mr. Dunlap,” Slencak said. "He had watched a ‘60 Minutes’ program about grandparents raising grandchildren due to opioids. He said, ‘Come to work tomorrow with a plan on how to help grandparents in Pittsburgh.’ And we did — and continue to support — the grandparents.” Following a severe heat wave several years ago, she said, "Mr. Dunlap asked that we purchase and install air conditioners to any home that didn’t have air conditioning.” Dunlap family philanthropies include legacy donations to The Dunlap Family Outpatient Center at St. Clair Health in Mt. Lebanon and The Dunlap Family Athletic & Recreation Center at Saint Vincent College in Unity. "Mr. Dunlap’s passion for education and the needs of the poor was fueled by his fervent faith. His philanthropy was often anonymous, reflecting his humility,” said Father Paul Taylor, Saint Vincent College president. "Many have been blessed by his wisdom and generosity over these many years. We are grateful for our long friendship with him and his family.” The Dunlaps also underwrite a portion of nonprofit fundraising events held at LeMont, Slencak said. "There were three things that Ed Dunlap instilled in me,” Godwin said. "Go to church on Sunday and be thankful for all we have. Care for other people; be kind and take care of those less fortunate. Do your best, work hard and use your God-given talents to their fullest extent.” Dunlap didn’t just speak of living a good life, he led by example, Godwin said. "Those of us who knew him and spent time with him are definitely better people,” he said. In addition to his wife, Anna Billante Dunlap, and son Tim and his wife, Teri, Dunlap is survived by his children, Maureen Hallas, Kathleen Dunlap and Stephen "Beaver” (Tracy) Dunlap; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters. Viewings will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Green­tree Road, Scott. A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church, 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair, where Dunlap was a parishioner. Burial will follow in Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in McMurray. Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter . and help us continue covering the stories that matter to you and your community.